Rare Curved Desk by Joaquim Tenreiro with Floating Top & Drawer Cabinet, 1950s - Lot 731A

Description

Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992), this sculptural writing desk is an exceptional example of the designer’s refined approach to Brazilian modernism. Celebrated for introducing a new lightness to furniture design in Brazil, Tenreiro sought to reconcile modern architectural forms with the warmth and integrity of fine woodworking—an ethos clearly embodied in this piece.

The desk is defined by its elegant asymmetrical composition: a gently curved, cantilevered top extends outward from a compact drawer pedestal, counterbalanced by a single, slender tapered leg. This interplay of mass and suspension is a hallmark of Tenreiro’s work, lending the desk a sense of visual tension and effortless balance. The subtly contoured top softens the geometry of the design while enhancing its sculptural presence.

Crafted in finely grained Brazilian hardwood, the desk reflects Tenreiro’s mastery of proportion and his insistence on structural honesty. The integrated drawer unit provides discreet storage, allowing function to be seamlessly absorbed into the overall form rather than imposed upon it. The elongated tapered leg—one of Tenreiro’s most recognizable signatures—introduces lightness and elevation, reinforcing the desk’s architectural clarity.

Widely regarded as a foundational figure of Brazilian modern furniture, Tenreiro emphasized craftsmanship, ergonomics, and the expressive potential of wood. This desk exemplifies those principles, standing as both a highly functional workspace and a refined design object.

A rare and sophisticated work by Joaquim Tenreiro, this desk is ideally suited for collectors and interiors seeking an authentic example of Brazilian modernism at its most elegant and thoughtfully resolved.