Percival Lafer 'MP-13' Rosewood and Leather Four-Seat Sofa, Brazil, c. 1967

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Percival Lafer 'MP-13' Rosewood and Leather Four-Seat Sofa, Brazil, c. 1967

About the Item

This gorgeous MP-13 four-seat sofa by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP was designed in 1967, this example an early production made for Brazil and recently imported to the US. Featuring a gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood frame with vivid grain that supports the original black leather cushions with Rosewood tufted buttons and chromed hardware. The MP-13 was adapted from the MP-1 chair / sofa, Lafer's first design, but giving it softer rounded shapes and a body supported on a base of solid Brazilian Rosewood. Floating solid Rosewood arms with chromed elements providing structural lightness and easy disassembly and reassembly. Additional subtle details such as the rosewood tufted buttons and matching black leather arm cushions with leather ties upgrade the casual laid-back vibe with a bit of refined classiness. This example is ideal for collectors as it is an original production piece imported from Brazil. Lafer's best work was made for Brazil - his later production pieces produced for export was made with cheaper materials and are less desirable to collectors and interior designers working on high profile projects. The quality of materials and craftsmanship on this MP-13 sofa is exquisite and a beautiful early production example with all-original parts, clearly demonstrating the saying "they don't make them like they used to". In addition, the four-seat variant of the MP-13 line is quite rare and hard to find. The extended width of the extra seat packs much additional wow-factor to the already impressive design. For those looking for a statement piece that isn't overly loud, this stylish yet laid-back four-seat sofa could be your perfect choice. This stunning MP-13 four-seater couch by Percival Lafer would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Space Age Mod, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Post-Modern, Contemporary or Zen / Minimalism room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Hollywood Regency, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. DOCUMENTATION: Percival Lafer, Design, Industry and Marketplace. Page 96. MEASUREMENTS: H 26.5" x W 89.25" x D 28.5" *Note, if you include the arm cushions which extend past the frame the total width is 95" Seat Height: 15" Seat Depth: 20.5" Arm Height: 22.5" CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. Rosewood frame was lightly refinished and polished. Chrome elements cleaned and lightly polished with light age and patina. Original black leather upholstery was professionally cleaned and conditioned. Some light signs of age apparent upon close inspection including light indentations and minor wear. Very attractive early production example ready for immediate use.

Creator:
Percival Lafer (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Width: 89.25 in (226.7 cm)Depth: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Seat Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Chrome,Leather,Rosewood
Place of Origin:
Brazil
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1967
Condition:
Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good vintage condition with light age and patina throughout. Leather has been professionally cleaned and conditioned. Rosewood has been lightly refinished and polished. See description for more details. Ready for immediate use.
Seller Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1330231186812

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.