Set of 10 Dining Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s — Lot 199

Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro during the height of Brazilian Modernism, this rare set of ten dining chairs exemplifies Tenreiro’s refined synthesis of structure, comfort, and material intelligence. Commissioned for the headquarters of Bloch Editors in São Paulo, the chairs were conceived for executive and conference-room use—settings that demanded both visual authority and long-duration comfort.

Each chair is constructed from solid Brazilian rosewood, meticulously shaped with subtly curved legs and an elegantly proportioned backrest. These gentle inflections soften the architectural rigor of the design, a hallmark of Tenreiro’s work, allowing the chairs to read as both disciplined and inviting. The frames display exceptional joinery and balance, revealing Tenreiro’s deep understanding of woodworking traditions adapted to a modernist vocabulary.

Originally upholstered in beige faux leatherette, the chairs have been carefully reupholstered in high-quality Italian beige leather to respect the original tone, texture, and intent of the design. The rosewood has been refinished to a satin surface, unveiling vibrant natural grain and tonal depth characteristic of Tenreiro’s finest commissions. Minor age-related wear, primarily on the legs, remains consistent with careful institutional use and contributes to the authenticity of the set.

Most notably, several chairs retain their original Bloch patrimony plaques affixed to the rear of the backrest—an exceptional marker of provenance that firmly anchors the set within Brazil’s mid-century cultural and corporate history. As a complete ensemble with documented institutional origins, this group represents an important and increasingly scarce example of Joaquim Tenreiro’s legacy in large-scale modern interiors.