Set of Eight Sculptural Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, c. 1950s - Lot 649B

Description

This elegant and highly sculptural set of eight dining chairs exemplifies the refined modernism of Giuseppe Scapinelli, one of the most expressive figures in Brazilian mid-century design. Crafted in richly grained Brazilian rosewood, the chairs reveal Scapinelli’s unmistakable command of curve, movement, and proportion, resulting in forms that feel at once poised and dynamic.

Each chair is defined by a tall, sinuously contoured backrest, where gently tapering vertical elements converge in a rhythmic, almost calligraphic gesture. These curves are not merely decorative; they create a sense of continuous motion, a hallmark of Scapinelli’s work, lending the chairs a sculptural presence even when viewed in stillness. The slender, subtly angled legs further enhance this sense of lightness and dynamism, giving the set an elegant, architectural stance.

Scapinelli’s design language reflects a sophisticated dialogue between Italian modernist sensibilities—clarity of line, disciplined proportion, and refined craftsmanship—and a distinctly Brazilian warmth and sensuality, expressed through organic forms and the expressive use of native hardwoods. The result is furniture that feels cosmopolitan yet deeply rooted in Brazilian design culture.

The rosewood frames have been expertly refinished and are in excellent condition, with beautifully preserved grain and tonal depth. The seats have been newly upholstered in a soft, textured linen, chosen to complement the fluid geometry of the wood while maintaining a restrained, timeless palette.

Originally sourced from a private residence in Brasília, Brazil’s modernist capital, this set carries a provenance closely aligned with the architectural ideals of the period. Both refined and expressive, these chairs are equally suited to a formal dining setting or a more relaxed, design-forward interior—offering enduring elegance, visual rhythm, and sculptural sophistication.