Brazilian Modern Rosewood Bookcase with Formica and Brass, Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor, 1950s - Lot 224

Description

Designed by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor in the 1950s, this Brazilian Modern open bookcase brings together richly figured rosewood, black-painted metal, original Formica, and patinated brass feet. Its appeal lies in the balance between an architectural silhouette and expressive natural materials: a precisely framed wooden volume raised on four slender legs, with an open interior that allows the grain to remain a defining part of the composition.

A single adjustable shelf divides the interior into two generous compartments, with a series of support holes allowing its height to accommodate books, ceramics, or collected objects. The original Formica surface introduces a quiet contrast to the surrounding rosewood, pairing the warmth of the timber with the practical character of a modern industrial material. Below, short brass tips meet the black legs flush, their worn surfaces adding a restrained detail that rewards closer inspection.

The wood has been professionally restored, revealing the depth and tonal variation developed over decades. A satin finish brings out the grain without overwhelming its natural character. The back is also finished in beautifully figured rosewood veneer, allowing the piece to stand away from a wall and remain visually resolved from every angle. The metal components remain in good original condition, while the brass feet retain an aged patina.

An original Unilabor paper label survives beneath the lower shelf, providing a direct connection to the manufacturer. Historical photographs reproduced in Mauro Claro’s Unilabor: desenho industrial, arte moderna e autogestão operária, including the examples illustrated on page 118, document larger horizontal storage pieces sharing this model’s open compartments and disciplined proportions.

Equally suited to use as a bookcase, an open sideboard, or a console for display and storage, this piece combines everyday utility with the presence of collectible Brazilian design. Its distinction rests in carefully considered proportions, contrasting materials, and the enduring character of the rosewood.