Extendable Dining Table in Rosewood, Carlo Hauner, 1950s - Lot 444

Description

Attributed to Carlo Hauner, this extendable dining table reflects the clarity and material intelligence that defined Brazilian modern furniture in the 1950s. Hauner—best known for his work with the Forma collective and for helping introduce European modernist principles to Brazil—consistently pursued designs that balanced structural discipline with the expressive qualities of native hardwoods. This table exemplifies that approach, distilling the movement’s emphasis on lightness, proportion, and material integrity

The composition is defined by a long, rectilinear tabletop supported by slender, tapered legs set near the corners, creating a sense of visual lightness despite the substantial material. The table’s proportions emphasize horizontal continuity, allowing the richly figured rosewood surface to function as the primary visual field. Subtle tapering in the legs and the restrained geometry of the frame articulate a structural logic typical of mid-century Brazilian design, where stability and elegance are achieved through careful proportion rather than excess mass.

Crafted from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), the table highlights the wood’s dramatic grain pattern and deep tonal variation. The surface has been professionally refinished, revealing the natural character of the material while preserving the clarity of the original form. Notably, the piece is assembled using traditional wood joinery, avoiding visible screws or nails and reinforcing the emphasis on craftsmanship and structural precision.

A concealed extension mechanism allows the tabletop to expand smoothly, increasing seating capacity from six to eight. This integration of function into the table’s architecture reflects the modernist principle that utility should be absorbed seamlessly into the design rather than added as an afterthought.

The table retains its distributor’s seal beneath the top and presents in excellent vintage condition following careful restoration. A refined and thoughtfully engineered work, it stands as a compelling example of Brazilian modern dining furniture and the enduring legacy of mid-century design in rosewood.