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Brazilian Modern Modular Shelving Units by Ernesto Hauner, Brazil, 1960s

$40,000per set
£30,367.24per set
€35,008.48per set
CA$56,585.52per set
A$60,919.46per set
CHF 32,623.56per set
MX$734,057.81per set
NOK 411,618.88per set
SEK 376,697.75per set
DKK 261,597.36per set

About the Item

Designed in Brazil in the 1960s, this modular bookshelf by Ernesto Hauner exemplifies the disciplined elegance and material sophistication that define Brazilian mid-century modern design. Crafted in richly figured Brazilian rosewood, the piece balances architectural clarity with warmth, revealing Hauner’s refined approach to structure and function. The vertical uprights establish a strong, almost totemic presence, while the cantilevered shelves introduce a sense of lightness and rhythm. Integrated storage—comprising a cabinet and a set of drawers—anchors the composition, seamlessly blending open display with concealed functionality. The sculptural drawer pulls and clean joinery reflect Hauner’s belief that utility and form should be resolved as one. Born in Austria and trained in Europe, Hauner emigrated to Brazil in the postwar period, where he became a key contributor to the country’s modern design movement. Alongside his brother Carlo Hauner, he helped forge a distinctly Brazilian modernist language—merging European rationalism with local materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and an understanding of flexible, contemporary living. More than a bookshelf, this piece functions as a freestanding architectural element—equally suited as a display system, storage unit, or subtle room divider. Its expressive rosewood grain lends depth and character, while the modular construction speaks to the optimism and innovation of 1960s Brazilian design. Timeless, sculptural, and intellectually grounded, this bookshelf stands as a compelling example of Ernesto Hauner’s enduring legacy and the golden age of Brazilian modernism.
  • Creator:
    Ernesto Hauner (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 98 in (248.92 cm)Width: 39 in (99.06 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Hardwood,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1960
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 1821stDibs: LU7095248228532

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