Pair of Sculptural Armchairs by Giuseppe Scapinelli in Caviúna Wood & Mohair, Brazil, 1950s – Lot 833C

Description

This sculptural pair of armchairs, designed by Giuseppe Scapinelli in Brazil during the 1950s, exemplifies the expressive and organic direction Brazilian modernism embraced in the postwar period. Crafted in richly grained caviúna wood, the chairs demonstrate Scapinelli’s distinctive ability to merge structure, movement, and comfort into a cohesive architectural form.

The frame unfolds through a sequence of flowing lines and carefully resolved junctions. Gently arched armrests extend outward before tapering back into the rear supports, creating a continuous, almost biomorphic silhouette. Horizontal stretchers and slender supporting rods articulate the structure with clarity, revealing the logic behind the design while reinforcing the chair’s sense of balance and lightness. As with the best examples of Brazilian modernist furniture, the construction remains visible and purposeful—structure and sculpture existing simultaneously.

Scapinelli’s work stands apart from many of his contemporaries through its sensuality and dynamism. Rather than rigid geometry, his designs favor movement and gesture. The sweeping arms, subtle asymmetry, and softened transitions between elements give these chairs an almost animated quality, as if the wood itself were responding to the forces acting upon it. This approach reflects the broader cultural dialogue of the period, where Italian modernist influence intersected with Brazil’s emerging architectural and artistic identity, producing furniture that feels both disciplined and expressive.

The caviúna wood has been carefully restored, revealing the natural depth and warmth of the grain. The satin-matte finish highlights the tonal variation and density of the timber, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the frame while preserving the material’s authenticity.

The chairs have been newly upholstered in a refined dusty olive cotton mohair velvet, selected to complement the warmth of the caviúna while reinforcing the understated elegance of the design. The dense velvet pile introduces subtle depth and tactility, while the desaturated moss tone maintains a sophisticated mid-century palette. The cushions have been tailored with clean lines and slightly fuller proportions, enhancing both comfort and visual presence without altering the original geometry of the design.

Elegant yet informal, these armchairs function beautifully as accent seating in a living room, study, or bedroom, offering a strong sculptural presence while remaining inviting and comfortable. At once architectural and sensuous, they represent a compelling example of Brazilian mid-century design at its most expressive.

Sold as a pair.