“Jangada” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Hardwood & Leather, Jean Gillon, 1970s – Lot 213

Description

Few works encapsulate the spirit of Brazilian Modernism as powerfully as the Jangada. Designed in the 1970s by Jean Gillon, this iconic lounge chair takes its name from the handcrafted fishing rafts of Brazil’s northern coast — a reference made tangible through its suspended leather cushions and exposed netted support system.

Executed in richly toned Brazilian jacarandá (rosewood), the sculptural frame presents a deep, purplish-brown patina that contrasts beautifully with the caramel leather upholstery. The cushions, meticulously reconstructed over a three-month period by master upholsterers in Rio de Janeiro, follow Gillon’s original methodology as documented in period publications. The tensioned rope structure — newly executed to original specifications — preserves the integrity of the design while ensuring structural longevity.

Remnants of the original manufacturing seal remain visible on the wood base, reinforcing provenance. The leather has been carefully tailored and hand-tied, maintaining the distinctive buttoned articulation that defines the model’s visual rhythm and ergonomic generosity.

More than a lounge chair, the Jangada is a statement of Brazilian design ingenuity — merging craft, structure, and sensual materiality. A museum-worthy example of Jean Gillon’s enduring legacy.