Brazilian Modern “Concha” Armchairs in Iron and Burnt Caramel Mohair by Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1950s — Lot 83B

Description

Designed by Carlo Hauner for Forma Móveis in the mid-1950s, the iconic “Concha” armchair remains one of the most sculptural and recognizable expressions of early Brazilian modern seating. Named after the Portuguese word for “shell,” the design is defined by its softly folded upholstered form, whose organic curvature evokes the shape of an open seashell. Hauner masterfully balances this enveloping volume with an exceptionally delicate iron base, creating a composition that feels both airy and structurally precise.

This particular pair has been newly upholstered in a rich burnt caramel mohair selected to emphasize the chair’s sculptural softness and warmth. The upholstery features subtle tobacco and cognac undertones with a refined directional nap that adds depth without excessive sheen. The seats were rebuilt with layered high-density cushioning to create a fuller, more inviting profile while preserving the original silhouette and proportions of the design. Careful hand-tailoring along the compound curves ensures a clean, uninterrupted surface and a highly refined finish throughout.

Beneath the sculpted shell, the slender blackened iron bases retain the chair’s remarkable visual lightness. Their thin linear geometry creates a sense of suspension beneath the upholstered body, reinforcing the Brazilian modernist interest in merging industrial materials with fluid, human-centered forms.

Originally introduced by Forma Móveis in 1955, the “Concha” exemplifies the experimental spirit of the period, when designers such as Hauner explored new structural possibilities while maintaining an emphasis on comfort and elegant restraint. Newly restored and upholstered, this pair preserves the integrity of the original design while offering a sophisticated contemporary material execution.

Both sculptural and highly functional, the “Concha” remains an enduring icon of Brazilian modernism — equally compelling as a collectible design object or as a refined seating element within a contemporary interior.