'H' Armchair, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

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'H' Armchair, by Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design

About the Item

Zanine Caldas is a revered figure in the realm of Brazilian mid-century design. Born in 1919 in Belmonte, Bahia, Brazil, he went on to carve a niche for himself through his innovative designs and unerring commitment to indigenous materials and techniques. Throughout his illustrious career, Zanine straddled the line between artisan and architect, showcasing Brazil's abundant natural resources in his work, while also bringing modernism to the fore. One of Zanine's most distinguishing characteristics was his deft use of wood. As a self-taught designer, he exhibited a profound understanding of this natural material, leveraging its unique qualities to craft furniture that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. His early endeavors, like the "H" armchairs you've presented, showcased this affinity for wood, with naval plywood being a prominent feature. The use of naval plywood was groundbreaking at the time. This material enabled designers like Zanine to experiment with bending and curving forms, lending their creations a fluidity that was previously hard to achieve. This particular pair of "H" armchairs, with their sleek lines and ergonomic design, are representative of Zanine's early exploration of the possibilities that naval plywood presented. Zanine's establishment of "Móveis Artísticos Z" was pivotal in his journey. This venture allowed him to both design and produce his furniture, ensuring that his vision was faithfully executed from conception to final product. The atelier became synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, and it is during this period that some of his most iconic pieces were born. Contextualizing the "H" armchairs within Zanine's broader oeuvre, one can see a trajectory of evolution and refinement. From his early works characterized by the artisanal feel and experimental use of materials, Zanine moved on to mass-produced pieces in the 1960s, making design accessible to a wider audience. However, his commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment remained unwavering. By the 1970s, with deforestation becoming a concern, Zanine returned to his artisanal roots, crafting singular pieces from reclaimed woods and raising awareness about environmental issues. In conclusion, the "H" armchairs are not just pieces of furniture but embodiments of a transformative era in Brazilian design. They encapsulate Zanine Caldas's ethos and his pioneering spirit, serving as a testament to a time when design, craftsmanship, and innovation converged seamlessly.

Creator:
José Zanine Caldas (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 23.23 in (59 cm)Depth: 26.38 in (67 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Natural Fiber,Velvet,Wood
Place of Origin:
Brazil
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1948's
Condition:
Refinished. Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Sao Paulo, BR
Reference Number:
Seller: 70541stDibs: LU3173336644592