Pair of Armchairs in Pau Marfim & Olive Green Mohair, Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s — Lot 196-584

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Executed in pau marfim (ivory-toned Brazilian hardwood), this pair of armchairs by Giuseppe Scapinelli embodies the sculptural discipline and structural … Read more Executed in pau marfim (ivory-toned Brazilian hardwood), this pair of armchairs by Giuseppe Scapinelli embodies the sculptural discipline and structural elegance that define Brazilian mid-century design. The composition is anchored by a gently reclined backrest, articulated through a series of slender vertical spindles—an architectural gesture that introduces rhythm, lightness, and visual permeability while maintaining structural rigor. The rear elevation, in particular, reveals Scapinelli’s sensitivity to proportion, where curved perimeter members and linear rods resolve into a refined balance between tension and fluidity.

The frame highlights the natural density and fine, uniform grain of pau marfim, allowing the silhouette to read with precision and clarity. Subtly tapered legs and continuous, flowing arm supports reinforce the chair’s structural continuity, while the open back construction lends a sense of airiness without compromising integrity. The chairs have been newly upholstered in a deep olive green mohair velvet, selected for its rich, matte depth and directional nap—offering a quiet contrast to the warmth of the wood while maintaining a restrained, sophisticated palette.

Comfort is seamlessly integrated through the angled backrest and generous seat proportions. The upholstery is carefully tailored within the wooden framework, preserving the visual dialogue between structure and support rather than obscuring it—an essential principle in Scapinelli’s work.

This model is well documented in both vintage and contemporary literature, underscoring its significance within the canon of Brazilian modernism. See less