Armchair in Hardwood & Cane, John Graz, 1950s - Lot 299

Description

Attributed to John Graz (1891–1982), this armchair is a rare example of early Brazilian modernist seating, produced in the early 1950s when furniture production in Brazil remained highly artisanal and limited in scale. Graz’s furniture output was relatively small, making surviving examples of this model particularly scarce and historically significant.

The design is defined by structural clarity and visual lightness. Four slender, tapered legs support a compact frame, while gently curved armrests flow seamlessly into the backrest. The composition balances rectilinear elements with softened curves, creating a refined sense of tension that allows the chair to appear delicate despite its solid construction.

Crafted from caviúna wood, the chair reflects a deep respect for material integrity. The dense hardwood enables thin profiles and precise joinery, while the straw-caned backrest introduces texture and permeability, reducing visual weight and reinforcing the chair’s handcrafted character. The wood has been professionally refinished, bringing the piece to excellent vintage condition while preserving its original material expression.

Function is absorbed naturally into the form. The angled backrest, supportive armrests, and flexible caning provide comfort without excess, aligning ergonomics with sculptural restraint. Produced in very limited numbers during a formative moment in Brazilian modernism, this armchair stands as a rare and thoughtfully resolved work—an authentic reflection of Graz’s understated yet highly influential design language.