Cadeira Curva Chair

Joaquim Tenreiro was a sculptor, painter, engraver and designer, born into a family of joiners. By the late 1940s, the modern movement had taken hold in Brazil, and Tenreiro’s pieces with a more modern sensibility, like these “Curva” or curved chairs, became increasingly popular. These chairs were conceived according to Tenreiro’s principle that Brazilian furniture should be light, in his words, “lightness, has nothing to do with the weight itself, but with grace and functionality”. Testimony to the ideological alignment of Brazilian modern furniture, Tenreiro's design is rooted in the principle of stripping back the unnecessary to demonstrate the true beauty of an object whilst maintaining the upmost function. “Curva”, meaning ‘curve’ in Portuguese, inspired the model’s name, and is based on the defining curve of the backrest. Tenreiro’s deep knowledge of wood is illustrated through the poetic features in his lines. In these chairs’ seats, the designer explored the weaving of cane, which evokes indigenous braiding and basketry. The use of wood and natural fibres is generally associated with the need to adapt furniture...

A pair of curved armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro Shell-shaped seat wooden frame with fabric- upholstered padding and produced circa the 1960s, raised on tapered legs in Br...

Set of eight (8) dining chairs in rosewood with cane seat and back. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1949 (seat: 17.75" H).

Desk in jacaranda. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s.

Two-piece credenza in jacaranda with four doors and curved sides. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s.