Round “Spider” Coffee Table in Ivory Wood by Roberto Aflalo for Blanco e Preto, Brazil, 1952 - Lot 840

Description

Designed in 1952 by Roberto Aflalo for Branco & Preto, this iconic “Spider” coffee table is an early and expressive example of Brazilian Modern experimentation. Executed in solid ivory wood (pau marfim) with ebonized plywood elements, the table is crowned with a circular glass top that accentuates its sculptural base.

The dynamic, radiating leg structure—resembling a spider’s stance—creates a sense of movement and tension, distinguishing the piece from more orthodox modernist forms. This bold structural gesture reflects Branco & Preto’s role as a laboratory for progressive Brazilian design during the early 1950s.

The table retains its original manufacturer’s seal and remains in excellent condition. Both architectural and playful, this piece stands as a landmark of early Brazilian Modernism, bridging functional furniture and sculptural object with remarkable confidence.