Side Table in Hardwood & Glass, Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s - Lot 385A

Description

Attributed to Giuseppe Scapinelli (1911–1974), this side table exemplifies the designer’s sculptural approach to Brazilian modernism during the mid-twentieth century. Active in São Paulo, Scapinelli developed a distinctive vocabulary that merged European modernist discipline with expressive structure and material experimentation. 

The composition is defined by a disciplined geometry anchored by four slender, tapering legs set at a subtle outward angle. Above, a rectilinear top appears lightly suspended, supported by a constellation of twelve curved connecting arms that rise from the central structure. This rhythmic framework—both structural and sculptural—introduces a sense of tension and lift, a recurring element in Scapinelli’s furniture. The inclusion of a secondary shelf reinforces the architectural logic of the piece while maintaining visual openness.

Constructed in hardwood and finished in black, the table emphasizes material integrity through surface continuity rather than ornament. The top combines wood and inset glass, introducing contrast and lightness while allowing the structural elements beneath to remain visible. Craft is expressed through proportion, joinery, and the careful repetition of form.

Function is fully integrated: the lower shelf provides usable storage, while the compact scale allows the table to operate easily within a variety of interior contexts. The piece is presented in excellent vintage condition, with the wood professionally refinished.