Pair of Brazilian Modernist Armchairs in Hardwood, Burgundy Leather & Bouclé by Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1950s - Lot 466B

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An exceptional and highly sculptural pair of Brazilian Modernist armchairs designed by Carlo Hauner and produced in Brazil during the … Read more An exceptional and highly sculptural pair of Brazilian Modernist armchairs designed by Carlo Hauner and produced in Brazil during the 1950s. Distinguished by their elegant wingback silhouette, enveloping proportions, and refined craftsmanship, these rare examples embody the sophisticated dialogue between European modernism and the emerging Brazilian design movement that defined the country's most important postwar interiors.
The design is immediately recognizable as one of Hauner’s most successful seating forms. The gently flared and winged backrest creates a protective, architectural enclosure, while the sculpted inward-curving arms soften the composition and invite relaxation. Elevated on finely tapered hardwood legs, the chairs achieve a remarkable balance between visual lightness and substantial comfort. Every line feels deliberate, demonstrating Hauner’s ability to merge sculptural presence with functional elegance.
The frames are executed in solid hardwood and upholstered in richly patinated burgundy leather, accented throughout by individually applied brass nailhead detailing that follows the chair’s contours with exceptional precision. The deep oxblood tones of the leather create warmth and visual depth, while the ivory bouclé seat cushions introduce a sophisticated textural contrast. Together, these materials establish a refined interplay between smooth and tactile surfaces, a hallmark of the most desirable Brazilian modernist interiors of the period.
Born in Italy and later establishing his career in Brazil, Carlo Hauner became one of the defining figures of Brazilian mid-century design. His work is celebrated for combining the disciplined proportions of European modernism with the warmth, sensuality, and material richness that distinguish Brazilian furniture of the era. Alongside contemporaries such as Joaquim Tenreiro, Giuseppe Scapinelli, and Jorge Zalszupin, Hauner helped shape a uniquely Brazilian design language that continues to influence collectors, designers, and architects worldwide.
This model appears in period publications and archival references, reinforcing its importance within the canon of Brazilian modernist seating. Acquired from a private residence in São Paulo, the pair remains an outstanding example of Hauner’s craftsmanship and design vision. Their sculptural presence, exceptional materials, and documented historical significance make them equally suited for sophisticated residential interiors, design collections, and institutional settings.
A rare opportunity to acquire an iconic and museum-worthy pair of armchairs by one of the most influential designers of twentieth-century Brazilian furniture. See less