Sculptural Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chair in Teal Mohair, Attributed to Vladimir Kagan, 1958 — Lot 818B
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Description
An exceptionally sculptural Brazilian lounge chair attributed to Vladimir Kagan, dating to 1958, with a richly figured rosewood frame and newly upholstered high-pile mohair in deep teal. Its elongated back, sweeping arms, and dramatically splayed legs give the chair an expressive silhouette, while the softly contoured upholstery brings a generous sense of comfort to its architectural form.
The rosewood structure is distinguished by the fluid transitions between its elements. Slender armrests broaden into sculpted supports beside the backrest, their gently hollowed upper surfaces revealing the wood’s swirling grain. At the front, each arm turns downward into a tapered support that continues toward an outward-reaching foot. Curved lower rails connect the legs, forming open, roughly triangular profiles that lend the frame both visual strength and lightness. Warm amber and reddish-brown tones move through darker figuring, emphasized by a soft satin sheen.
Viewed from behind, a curved rosewood rail embraces the upholstered back, bringing the same attention to the rear elevation as to the front. The exposed connections and rounded edges give the woodwork a tactile quality, while the extended rear legs establish a poised, grounded stance. These details make the chair particularly compelling when placed where its profile and back remain visible.
The new high-pile mohair introduces an exceptionally soft, plush surface in a saturated blue-green shade. Its directional pile catches the light across the chair’s curves, shifting from deep petrol and peacock teal to softer turquoise highlights. This tonal movement gives the upholstery depth without a woven pattern, allowing the sculpted form and expressive rosewood grain to remain central.
Ergonomically upholstered, the seating follows a continuous, gently reclining contour, with carefully shaped cushioning through the lower back and a generously rounded seat. The tall backrest rises to a softly rolled crest, while two discreet fabric-covered buttons create shallow indentations across its upper section. Minimal seams and a cushioned waterfall front maintain the clarity of the silhouette while lending the chair an inviting softness.
The interplay of an open wooden frame and a full, enveloping upholstered body defines this Brazilian mid-century lounge chair. Its combination of warm rosewood, luminous teal mohair, and flowing proportions gives it the presence of a freestanding sculpture, with comfort integral to its design.