"Lobby” armchairs in Metal & Leather, Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s - Lot 325

Description

Designed in Brazil in the early 1970s to address the growing demand for refined corporate interiors, this pair of armchairs reflects the period’s emphasis on structural clarity and restrained modern form. Documented in original manufacturer manuals and period catalogs, the model was specified for the Sudameris Bank in Rio de Janeiro, and retains its institutional heritage plaque—an important marker of provenance.

The composition is anchored by a continuous black metal frame that forms a rectilinear sled base, establishing both support and visual lightness. The linear steel structure contrasts with the gently inclined seat and backrest, which appear suspended within the frame. Exposed fasteners at the arm junctions articulate the chair’s construction, reinforcing the modernist commitment to legible structure.

The upholstered shell is defined by clean, uninterrupted planes and a subtle recline that integrates comfort into the geometry of the design. The newly reupholstered seats present in a neutral tone that complements the dark metal armature, maintaining the balance between softness and structure. The metal frames have been carefully refurbished, preserving their crisp lines and architectural presence.

Function and form are resolved as a unified whole: the sled base provides stability while allowing ease of placement, and the angled backrest supports a relaxed yet composed posture appropriate to both corporate and residential settings.

An authentic example of Brazilian modern office design, this pair embodies the disciplined material palette and structural expression that defined institutional interiors of the period.