Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Rosewood, Rope & Wool, Carlo Hauner, 1950s

Description

An expressive balance of sculpted rosewood, slender steel, and cord suspension defines this pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs, made in Brazil during the 1950s  attributed to Carlo Hauner. Streamlined yet richly tactile, the design brings together the material warmth and structural experimentation that distinguish Brazilian furniture of the period. Newly upholstered in warm camel-gold wool, the chairs retain their original rosewood and metal structures, carefully restored to reveal the elegance of their construction.

The silhouette follows a continuous visual movement from the gently inclined seat into the tall, reclining back. Shaped rosewood side rails establish this profile, their rounded ends and softened edges lending an organic quality to the otherwise precise geometry. Separate sculptural armrests rest on slender metal supports, placing smoothly contoured wood directly beneath the hands. The rosewood has aged beautifully, developing a depth of color and pronounced grain that give each element its own character.

Below, the steel framework describes an open arrangement of angled supports, low runners, and connecting stretchers. Restored in a satin-matte black finish, these fine structural lines create a striking contrast with the substantial wood. Generous open space beneath and around the seat gives the chairs their visual lightness, allowing the suspended seating structure to remain the focus.

New ivory rope is threaded through the wooden rails in closely spaced horizontal runs, forming the support for both seat and back. Along the sides, the exposed lacing introduces a quiet decorative rhythm while making the construction immediately legible. Viewed from behind, the repeated lines of cord, dark rosewood frame, and angular steel base form an equally considered composition—particularly compelling when the chairs are placed freely within a room.

The new wool upholstery adds softness without obscuring the clarity of the design. Its warm camel-gold tone complements the aged rosewood, while the restrained seat and back cushions preserve the slender profile. The reclining posture, supportive cord foundation, and padded surfaces provide a comfortable seat for extended conversation or reading.

Restoration has preserved the original rosewood and steel components while renewing the rope and upholstery. The accompanying photographs document three stages of that process: the restored frame, the newly installed cord suspension, and the completed upholstered chairs. Together, these views offer an unusually clear understanding of the relationship between structure, craftsmanship, and comfort.

Vintage publication photographs supplied with the pair show comparable armchairs within period interiors, placing this distinctive silhouette in the visual context of Brazilian modernism. With their expressive profiles, beautifully aged wood, and carefully articulated construction, these armchairs bring both sculptural presence and everyday comfort to a contemporary interior.

Dimensions, each: H 31 × W 22 × D 34 inches.