Pair of Armchairs Gray Fabric, Rosewood, & Metal, Carlo Hauner, 1950s - Lot 184

Description

Designed by Carlo Hauner (1927–1997), this set of armchairs reflects the designer’s disciplined approach to structure and material, developed through his pivotal role in shaping Brazilian modern design in the postwar period. Anchored in industrial logic yet refined through proportion, the model articulates Hauner’s characteristic balance between architectural clarity and tactile warmth.

Each chair is defined by a black-painted metal frame, its linear armature establishing a precise geometric outline. The structure remains visually legible, allowing the load-bearing elements to read with structural clarity. Within this framework, the seat and backrest are softly contoured, introducing measured volume against the rigor of the metal. Three-button tufting punctuates the backrest with subtle rhythm, reinforcing the vertical emphasis without ornament.

The armrests, crafted in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), provide a deliberate counterpoint to the industrial frame. Their warm tonal depth and finely finished grain articulate material integrity, grounding the composition in the richness of native hardwood. The juxtaposition of cool metal and dense tropical wood reflects a broader modernist dialogue between industry and craft.

The upholstery has been newly reupholstered in grey fabric, selected for its restrained texture and tonal neutrality. The restoration process required particular attention: when acquired, the chairs no longer retained their original jacarandá armrests. After an extended search through antique markets and specialized dealers in Rio de Janeiro, period-appropriate rosewood arms were sourced and integrated with care, restoring the design to its intended material resolution. The metal frames have been professionally refinished, and the set presents in excellent vintage condition.

Thoughtfully restored and materially coherent, this set exemplifies Hauner’s enduring contribution to Brazilian modernism—where proportion, restraint, and structural logic converge in seating defined by both discipline and warmth.