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Architectural Sofa in Hardwood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern

Name: Architectural Sofa in Hardwood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Brand: Percival Lafer
Price: 11800 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This sofa, designed by Percival Lafer in the 60's, is a striking piece of mid-century Brazilian furniture. Its design is a testament to Lafer’s innovative approach, blending traditional materials with modern aesthetics. The structure of the sofa is crafted from solid wood, which forms the robust frame and base. The wood has a dark, rich finish that emphasizes the natural grain, adding depth and warmth to the overall design. This choice of material and finish is typical of Lafer’s work, where the beauty of the wood plays a significant role. The seating area is generously upholstered in a high-quality fabric, which is plush and inviting, encouraging relaxation and comfort. Notable features include the tufted backrest that adds both visual interest and additional support, as well as the unique way the cushioning is secured to the frame with leather straps, suggesting a thoughtful integration of form and function. The sofa's cushions are thick and comfortable, hinting at a high-quality filling that provides both comfort and durability. The overall silhouette of the sofa is sleek with a slight mid-century flair, characterized by clean lines, a low profile, and an inviting curvature that suggests a modern take on traditional forms. Percival Lafer’s designs are renowned for their comfort and style, and this sofa is no exception. It showcases the hallmarks of mid-century Brazilian furniture: a harmonious blend of the organic and the crafted, the luxurious and the functional. This sofa would have been a statement piece in its time, equally at home in both contemporary and traditional interiors, reflecting Lafer’s commitment to timeless design and quality craftsmanship. About the designer: Percival Lafer is a renowned Brazilian furniture designer whose work significantly contributed to the modernist movement in Brazil. Born in 1936, Lafer was originally trained as an architect at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. However, the unexpected passing of his father led him to take over the family furniture business with his brothers, which catalyzed his shift to furniture design in 1961. His first notable design, the MP-1 Armchair, was launched the same year and became a hit for its innovative use of materials and design. This chair featured a steel base wrapped in rosewood and was upholstered with foam rather than traditional springs. This design approach epitomized Lafer's principle of creating fine design that was accessible and affordable. Lafer also pioneered in the mechanical furniture movements, creating the MP-7 sofa in 1965, which could transform into a twin bed—the first of its kind on the market. Beyond furniture, he even ventured into automotive design with the MP Lafer, a fiberglass roadster inspired by British sports cars. His work has enjoyed international success, with his designs being exported globally, making him one of Brazil's leading furniture exporters. A retrospective of his work was featured in the São Paulo Design Weekend in 2017, celebrating his long-standing influence in the field of design. Percival Lafer's legacy continues, with his seating designs remaining highly sought after for their unique blend of modern shapes and local Brazilian materials

Creator:

Percival Lafer (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 24.02 in (61 cm)Width: 76.78 in (195 cm)Depth: 30.32 in (77 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Fabric,Hardwood

Place of Origin:

Brazil

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Refinished. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Sao Paulo, BR

Reference Number:

Seller: 68171stDibs: LU3173338111292

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Shop All Percival Lafer

Percival Lafer

When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.

Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, he introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career. The silhouettes of his lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.

Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.

Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.

Find a collection of authentic Percival Lafer furniture on 1stDibs.