Brazilian Modern Coffee Table with Flower Vase in Two Woods, Giuseppe Scapinelli, 1950s - Lot 729A

Description

A masterclass in sculptural engineering and organic modernism, this rare coffee table by Giuseppe Scapinelli exemplifies the poetic structural language that distinguished Brazilian design in the 1950s. Crafted in two contrasting woods, the circular top appears to float above a constellation of elegantly tapered supports, each arm carved and positioned with deliberate precision.

The table’s defining gesture lies in its dynamic radial framework: slender connecting arms extend between the top and base in low relief, creating a sunburst effect that introduces movement and architectural rhythm. This interplay of structure and void gives the piece visual lightness while maintaining remarkable stability.

At the center, Scapinelli integrates a sculptural metal basket designed to hold a glass vessel — allowing flowers to be displayed in an elevated, almost theatrical manner. The composition transforms a simple bouquet into an architectural focal point, reinforcing the table’s dual function as both furniture and decorative sculpture.

Executed in richly toned Brazilian hardwood and professionally refinished to a satin-matte sheen, the wood reveals nuanced grain variation and depth without appearing overly polished. The silhouette remains unmistakably Scapinelli: refined, expressive, and structurally inventive.

An exceptional example of mid-century Brazilian design, where engineering, ornament, and utility converge in a single, highly collectible form.