Brazilian Modern Pair of Armchairs in Rosewood, Metal & Velvet by Carlo Hauner, 1950s

Details

Description

Designed by Carlo Hauner (1927–1997), this refined pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs embodies the designer's disciplined approach to structure, proportion, … Read more Designed by Carlo Hauner (1927–1997), this refined pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs embodies the designer's disciplined approach to structure, proportion, and material clarity—principles that defined his pivotal contribution to postwar Brazilian design. Rooted in industrial rationalism yet softened through sculptural contour and tactile richness, the model reflects Hauner's remarkable ability to balance architectural rigor with understated sensuality.
Each armchair is anchored by a slender black-painted steel frame whose graceful linear armature establishes a crisp architectural silhouette while remaining visually light. The exposed structure celebrates its construction with complete honesty, allowing every curve and intersection to contribute to the overall composition. Suspended within this disciplined framework, the organically sculpted seat and backrest introduce generous curvature and fluid volume, creating an elegant dialogue between precision engineering and exceptional comfort. The continuous sweeping profile invites the body naturally, while the subtle tufted detail at the backrest introduces a restrained moment of rhythm without disturbing the purity of the design.
The sculpted armrests are carved from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), whose richly figured grain and warm chestnut-to-cinnamon hues provide a refined counterpoint to the cool black steel. Beautiful natural movement within the wood reveals dramatic ribbon grain and subtle tonal variation, while decades of careful aging have deepened the timber into a luminous satin patina that only time can produce. The wood retains remarkable warmth and character, emphasizing the handcrafted quality that distinguishes the finest examples of Brazilian modern furniture.
The armchairs have been newly upholstered in a premium olive-gold cotton velvet, selected specifically to reinforce the fluid organic silhouette envisioned by Hauner. The fabric possesses a dense, finely woven pile with a soft satin-matte luster that captures light gently without excessive sheen. Its sophisticated tone shifts subtly between muted olive, warm bronze, and golden moss depending on the viewing angle, adding visual depth while remaining elegantly understated. Expert tailoring follows every sculptural contour with exceptional precision, allowing the upholstery to wrap the chair's generous curves seamlessly while maintaining crisp edges and inviting fullness. The luxurious velvet provides an exceptionally soft tactile experience, while the generously proportioned seat and gently reclining backrest offer remarkable comfort, making these chairs equally compelling as collectible design objects and everyday seating.
Each leg terminates in a discreet custom brass-capped rubber foot, thoughtfully integrated to protect flooring while subtly enriching the composition with a delicate metallic accent. These understated details reinforce the elegant rhythm of the steel framework and complete the chair's refined architectural language without compromising the integrity of the original design.
Designed and produced in Brazil during the 1950s, this pair represents one of the defining moments of Brazilian Modernism, when European modernist principles were reinterpreted through the country's extraordinary craftsmanship, native hardwoods, and distinctly sculptural sensibility. Carlo Hauner's work from this period remains celebrated for its balance of structural clarity, material honesty, and timeless elegance.
Thoughtfully restored and newly upholstered using museum-quality materials, this exceptional pair stands as an enduring example of Hauner's contribution to twentieth-century design—where disciplined engineering, sculptural form, luxurious comfort, and the natural beauty of Brazilian rosewood converge in seating that remains as sophisticated and relevant today as when it was first conceived. See less