Brazilian Modern Caviúna Coffee Table with Glass Top, Att. to Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1950s - Lot 847

Description

An elegant expression of Brazilian modernism, this coffee table—attributed to Giuseppe Scapinelli—embodies the organic sculptural language that defined Brazilian design in the 1950s. Executed in solid caviúna wood with a floating glass top, the table reveals a masterful interplay between structure and movement.

The base is composed of sweeping, curved supports that intersect in a dynamic, almost architectural rhythm—an unmistakable gesture of the period’s embrace of biomorphic form. Rather than rigid geometry, the lines unfold organically, creating tension and lightness simultaneously. The central crossing stretcher and bowed side rails demonstrate refined joinery and careful proportioning, allowing the piece to feel both grounded and airborne.

The caviúna is of exceptional quality, displaying rich tonal variation and dramatic grain patterning characteristic of premium Brazilian hardwood. Its warm, honey-to-caramel undertones contrast beautifully against the transparency of the glass, reinforcing the sculptural silhouette beneath. The wood has been professionally restored to a satin matte finish, preserving depth without artificial gloss.

Executed in Brazil, circa 1950, this table reflects the era’s synthesis of European training and tropical material sensibility—where craftsmanship, material intelligence, and organic form converged.

A refined and architectural centerpiece—timeless, sculptural, and unmistakably Brazilian.