Desk, Móveis Cimo, C. 1950, in Imbuia's Wood Solid and Yellow Leather

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Desk, Móveis Cimo, C. 1950, in Imbuia's Wood Solid and Yellow Leather

About the Item

Originally designed for a child's room, this chest of drawers from the Moveis Cimo workshop in solid imbuia wood is one of the most playful pieces of furniture the workshop has produced. Opening with three drawers, the handles are circles inlaid in the drawer creating an optical game with the other circles in yellow leather in decoration. The delicacy of the finishes are visible throughout the piece and included in the covers of the screws and the assembly of wood. The charm is finished with the elegant and characteristic conical legs (or "pé palitos" in Portuguese) of the furniture of the 50s Brazilian. Founded in 1913 in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, initially by Jorge Zipperer (1879-1944) and Willy Jung (1879-1919) and "named Jung e Cia", Moveis Cimo was the largest furniture factory in Latin America from the 1930s until the 1970s. In 1919, with the death of Jung, Jorge Zipperer joined forces with his brother Martin Zipperer (1890-1971) who had a solid background in carpentry. From the beginning, Moveis Cimo had several different corporate names due to the changes in the partners and the growth of the company, the name "Moveis Cimo" was only used from 1954. Always very attentive to the technological novelties of the time, the products of the workshop have been marked by its modernization and optimization of the raw materials, always keeping the high quality know-how. Moreover, through the edition of their catalogs where the materials and techniques used were shown, the company allowed the diffusion of the knowledge of the modernist style. Beyond the technical aspect, the modernization has made possible the large-scale production of pieces in series, allowing the company to respond to many institutional orders, including for cinemas, theaters and schools. In addition, Moveis Cimo maintained a catalog for residential furniture, mainly from the 1950s, with the modernization of Brazil and the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, and its demand for furniture more suitable for the new architecture. The forms created by Moveis Cimo illustrate the passage from the aesthetics of traditional furniture with strong references to Portuguese colonial furniture to modern design. Moveis Cimo's residential furniture carried an innovation in design and material. "In these aerodynamic forms, in the bases of the chairs in conical shape (later known as 'pé palito'), gave lightness to the piece; the use of materials created in the post-war period, such as plastic laminates, known as 'formica', imitated wood and other materials; also intensified the use of metal, courvin in the upholstery usually with very bright colors." (SANTI, 2013, p. 292). This was possible thanks to the attention that the Zipperer brothers paid to technological developments coming mainly from foreign countries through the many trips they made to Europe, the technique of steam lamination of wood was one of those innovations that they took from Hamburg, Germany, and were the first to develop in Brazil. From the 1960s, with the death of Martin and Jorge Zipperer, the company employed several French and Dutch designers with the intention of changing its aesthetic line by becoming more neoclassical, but ended up losing its identity.

Creator:
Moveis Cimo (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 33.86 in (86.01 cm)Width: 36.61 in (92.99 cm)Depth: 18.9 in (48.01 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Imbuia,Leather
Place of Origin:
Brazil
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1950
Condition:
Replacements made: The opening system of the drawers was changed by the previous owner to facilitate the opening by the children. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
PARIS, FR
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU6408228265952

Shop All Moveis Cimo

Moveis Cimo

In its heyday, Móveis Cimo was the most prolific furniture manufacturer in Brazil. From humble beginnings, the company grew into a leading mid-century modern and modern design and production house. It made stylish and quality wood furniture like lounge chairs, coffee tables and buffets, which were made available to the average homeowner who wanted functional and attractive pieces.

Móveis Cimo was founded in 1921 by brothers Jorge and Martin Zipperer in the municipality of Rio Negrinho. Initially a chair company, Móveis Cimo quickly expanded its repertoire to include many types of furniture. At the time, there was a substantial gap in the Brazilian furniture market for quality furniture produced at an industrial scale for homes, schools, offices, cinemas and other public spaces.

Móveis Cimo filled this niche with simple but chic furniture that brought the latest styles to the masses. According to designer João Livoti, who spoke about the company to Gazeta do Povo, the brothers made frequent trips abroad to stay on top of post-war design trends. Comfort, ergonomics and the modern use of different shades of wood characterized the company’s furniture. Móveis Cimo was also the first company in Brazil to employ steam wood lamination techniques.

Jorge Zipperer died in 1944, just as the company was hitting its stride. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Móveis Cimo produced thousands of pieces of wood furniture for the Brazilian market. At the end of the 1960s, new wood fiber panel production methods shifted the furniture landscape in Brazil and introduced a host of new competitors. After Martin Zipperer died in 1971, the company began experimenting with new Dutch and French designs, although these were not widely popular.

Móveis Cimo closed its doors in 1982, but the company left behind a legacy of innovation that paved the way for future furniture makers. Today, Móveis Cimo furniture is collected worldwide as an inventive example of modern Brazilian furniture design.

On 1stDibs, find Móveis Cimo seating, tables, case pieces and more.