“Z” Armchair in Pau Marfim Wood & Bouclé by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1950s - Lot 376

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Designed in the 1950s by José Zanine Caldas, this rare “Z” armchair is an early and highly expressive example of … Read more Designed in the 1950s by José Zanine Caldas, this rare “Z” armchair is an early and highly expressive example of Brazilian modernism, originally produced by Fábrica de Móveis Artísticos Z. Constructed in solid pau marfim (ivory wood), the chair is defined by its bold, angular Z-shaped structure—at once graphic, architectural, and resolutely sculptural. The warmth of the wood, now meticulously refinished, highlights the precision of Zanine’s joinery and his intuitive understanding of form and balance.

The chair has been newly upholstered in a refined ivory bouclé, introducing texture and softness while preserving the integrity of the original springs beneath—an important marker of historical authenticity. Compact yet commanding, the “Z” armchair embodies Zanine Caldas’s early commitment to accessible, intelligently designed furniture that bridged artisanal craft and modern production. It stands as a timeless statement piece, equally compelling on its own or in dialogue with other icons of Brazilian modern design. See less