Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design

Name: Sofa 'MP-13', by Percival Lafer, Mid-Century Brazilian Design
Brand: Percival Lafer
Price: 15900 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

The MP-13 Sofa, designed by Percival Lafer, is a quintessential piece reflecting the Brazilian mid-century modern style, renowned for its emphasis on form, function, and the beauty of local materials. This aesthetic, which flourished from the 1940s to the 1970s in Brazil, integrated the principles of modernism with a distinct Brazilian character, characterized by a sense of warmth, relaxed sophistication, and an appreciation for the natural environment. Percival Lafer's approach to design is evident in the MP-13 Sofa's clean lines and elegant simplicity. The sofa's structure is a study in minimalism and comfort, free from excessive ornamentation, allowing the quality of materials and craftsmanship to shine. The frame, crafted from Brazilian hardwood Jatobá, exhibits a rich, deep color and a smooth, fine grain that speaks to the designer's preference for natural materials. The wood's finish and the gentle curves of the sofa's arms add a touch of organic warmth, a hallmark of Lafer's work. The seating area is generous and designed for comfort, with tufted cushions that provide both support and a subtle decorative element. The upholstery, often in leather or high-quality fabric, is understated yet luxurious, inviting one to sit and relax. This choice of material not only adds to the visual appeal but also to the tactile experience of the furniture. Moreover, the sofa features a low profile, which is a characteristic of mid-century design, promoting a sense of openness and space in the room. The use of metal supports, which are slender and often tapered, gives the piece a floating appearance, adding to its visual lightness. These supports are not merely functional but are finished in a way that complements the overall design. Attention to detail is another aspect of Lafer's design philosophy. This can be seen in the precision of the sofa's joinery and the careful placement of every stitch in the upholstery. These details may not be immediately apparent, but they contribute to the overall sense of quality and durability. In conclusion, the MP-13 Sofa by Percival Lafer is not only a piece of furniture but also a representation of the Brazilian interpretation of mid-century modernism. It balances beauty and functionality, with an emphasis on clean lines, quality materials, and fine craftsmanship, embodying the relaxed yet sophisticated spirit of Brazilian design from this era.

Creator:

Percival Lafer (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 22.45 in (57 cm)Width: 92.13 in (234 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)

Style:

Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Hardwood,Leather

Place of Origin:

Brazil

Period:

Mid-20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1960s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Sao Paulo, BR

Reference Number:

Seller: 71731stDibs: LU3173338226332

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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.