MP-163 “Earth” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Tufted Velvet Upholstery, Percival Lafer, 1976 — Lot 651A

Description

Designed by Percival Lafer, the MP-163 lounge chair with ottoman—often referred to as the Earth Chair—is distinguished as much by its sculptural form as by its richly expressive upholstery. This example is finished in a deep aubergine–plum velvet, a saturated tone that shifts subtly between violet and wine depending on light and angle, lending the piece a moody, architectural presence.

The upholstery features a dense, short-pile velvet with a soft matte sheen, offering both visual depth and a tactile, inviting hand. Generous channel tufting runs across the seat, backrest, and ottoman, creating a quilted surface that enhances comfort while emphasizing the chair’s organic, low-slung profile. The padding is intentionally plush yet structured, allowing the upholstery to retain crisp contours without collapsing over time.

This carefully tailored velvet contrasts beautifully with the polished chrome steel base, reinforcing Lafer’s mastery of balancing sensual materiality with modernist rigor. Ideal for collectors seeking bold color paired with refined Brazilian design, this MP-163 exemplifies the elevated lounge seating of 1970s São Paulo.