Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s — Lot 499C
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Description
Designed by Geraldo de Barros for Unilabor in the 1960s, this Brazilian Modern bar cart—also known as a tea trolley—expresses the structural clarity, refined craftsmanship and social ideals central to the Unilabor project.
The cart is constructed in Brazilian rosewood, or jacarandá, with two generous tiers supported by four gently splayed legs. The upper frame extends into sculptural curved handles, giving the cart a fluid silhouette while providing an intuitive grip for movement. A removable serving tray rests securely within the upper structure, while the lower shelf offers additional space for bottles, glassware or tableware. The original casters complete the design.
The joinery is particularly beautiful. Precisely fitted connections unite the angled legs, shelves and sweeping upper rails with remarkable visual continuity. These carefully resolved transitions reveal the hand of the cabinetmaker while preserving the cart’s light, architectural character.
The original Formica surfaces could no longer be preserved and were thoughtfully replaced with period-sensitive hardwood veneer, maintaining the integrity of the design and its warm material language. The rosewood has been professionally refinished in a restrained satin sheen and has aged beautifully, revealing deep chocolate tones, amber highlights and dramatic natural grain. Minor marks to the legs remain consistent with age and use.
Founded as a cooperative in São Paulo, Unilabor brought together modern design, skilled craftsmanship and progressive ideas about collective production. Geraldo de Barros played a central role in shaping its visual identity, creating furniture defined by modular thinking, structural honesty and elegant economy of form.
This model was also featured in the Netflix series Girls from Ipanema (Coisa Mais Linda), reinforcing its connection to the visual culture of mid-century Brazil. Functional yet sculptural, the cart remains a distinguished example of Brazilian modernist design.