“Holperin” Armchair in Green Leather & Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, 1962 - Lot 364A

Description

The Holperin armchair was designed in 1962 by Sergio Rodrigues during his tenure at Oca, and stands as a refined example of Brazilian modern furniture from the period. The chair is constructed with a solid Brazilian rosewood base, defined by its sculptural profile, expressive curves, and robust joinery.

The wood has been professionally refinished, and the seat has been reupholstered in green leather, restoring the chair to a condition consistent with its original presentation. Discreet casters have been added to the base, allowing the chair to function comfortably as a modern office or desk chair.

This model is considered a development of Rodrigues’s earlier Ambassador armchair, designed in 1960 for the Brazilian Embassy at the Palácio Doria Pamphili in Rome. The Holperin retains the structural confidence of the earlier design.

This example was sourced in Teresópolis, a city approximately two hours from Rio de Janeiro, and was restored by the same group of upholsterers who collaborated with Sergio Rodrigues during the original period of production. Archival images shown in the final photographs include vintage advertisements and publications that document the chair’s historical context and original design intent.