Pair of “Jimi” Armchairs with Wheels in Rosewood & Velvet, Sergio Rodrigues, 1971 - Lot 420

Description

Originally designed for Brasília’s Palácio Itamaraty, which houses Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations, the Jimi armchair stands as a significant example of Brazilian modern design by Sergio Rodrigues. The model reflects Rodrigues’s ability to balance formal presence with functional comfort, aligning closely with the architectural language of the space for which it was conceived.

The design is characterized by its square wooden legs set against fully upholstered arms, seat, and backrest, here presented in off-white velvet. The Jimi armchair draws direct lineage from Rodrigues’s earlier Gio armchair, designed in 1958 and selected by Italian architect Gio Ponti to be featured in Domus that same year. This evolution reflects a refinement of form while preserving the structural clarity of the original concept.

This pair is distinguished by the addition of chromed casters, which remain in excellent condition and enhance the chair’s functionality without detracting from its architectural presence. The Jimi armchair is documented in published literature on Sergio Rodrigues, with archival imagery shown in the final photograph.

Armchairs are available for purchase individually or as a matched pair.
Set of two: $15,000
Individual chair: $7,500