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1950 s Brazilian "Boomerang" Lounge Chair by Jose Zanine Caldas

Name: 1950's Brazilian "Boomerang" Lounge Chair by Jose Zanine Caldas
Brand: José Zanine Caldas

$24,000List Price

About the Item

The Boomerang lounge chair by Jose Zanine Caldas is a special and unique piece of furniture, notable for its innovative use of materials, its elegant design, and the rich history of its creator. Made with a plywood structure and a green leather seat, this chair exemplifies Caldas's mastery in blending form and function while paying homage to his deep commitment to environmental sustainability and modernist principles. Jose Zanine Caldas, born in Bahia, Brazil, was a self-taught designer, artist, and architect. He moved to Rio de Janeiro where he started an architectural scale model workshop, collaborating with modernist pioneers like Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer. It was through his work with plywood for architectural models that Caldas discovered the material's potential for furniture design. This led him to begin designing furniture in the 1940s, ultimately producing a range of innovative and elegant pieces under the name "Moveis Artisticos Z." The Boomerang lounge chair is a testament to Caldas's innovative spirit and his ability to leverage plywood's flexibility and strength. The chair's design is characterized by its sleek, organic curves, which not only provide aesthetic appeal but also ensure comfort and support. The use of plywood allows for these smooth, flowing lines that are both visually striking and structurally sound. The green leather seat adds a luxurious touch, creating a beautiful contrast with the natural tones of the plywood. Caldas's work took on additional significance during the turbulent political climate of the 1960s. After losing his position as a professor at the University of Brasilia due to the military coup, he experienced a period of persecution by the authoritarian regime. Despite these challenges, he entered the most creative period of his life, marked by a profound respect for the environment. His dedication to sustainability led him to experiment with more organic designs and to protect Brazilian forests passionately. The Boomerang lounge chair reflects this ethos, combining modernist design principles with a commitment to environmental stewardship. Furthermore, Caldas's later works, such as the "Denuncia" line, aimed to raise awareness about deforestation in Brazil. By rescuing abandoned logs and trees, he crafted highly sculptural pieces that blurred the line between art and furniture. This approach resonated with contemporary concerns about sustainability and the protection of natural resources, further enhancing the significance of his designs. The Boomerang lounge chair has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and various locations across the United States and Europe, highlighting its importance in the realm of modern design. Its unique combination of innovative materials, elegant form, and historical context makes it a standout piece in the legacy of Jose Zanine Caldas. In summary, the Boomerang lounge chair by Jose Zanine Caldas is special and unique due to its innovative use of plywood, its elegant and organic design, and its reflection of Caldas's commitment to environmental sustainability and modernist ideals. This chair not only serves as a functional piece of furniture but also as a symbol of Caldas's enduring influence and visionary approach to design.

Creator:
José Zanine Caldas (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 27.56 in (70 cm)Depth: 27.56 in (70 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Plywood
Place of Origin:
Brazil
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1950
Condition:
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9498239829922

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