A sculptural and materially expressive pair of “Canoa” armchairs by Gelli, produced in Brazil during the 1960s — a period defined by structural experimentation and the confident use of native hardwoods in domestic design.
The model takes its name from the canoe, referenced in the sweeping curvature of the arms and the subtly concave seat frame. Executed in solid Brazilian hardwood, the structure reveals a refined interplay between tension and repose: tapered legs angle outward with architectural clarity, while the armrests arc gently forward, creating a dynamic yet balanced silhouette. The form is both engineered and sensual — a hallmark of Brazil’s modernist language.
The angled backrest and deeply cushioned seat prioritize ergonomics without sacrificing visual lightness. The upholstery, tufted with understated button detailing, enhances the sculptural volume of the seat while maintaining a disciplined geometry. The hardwood frames have been professionally restored to a satin finish, revealing layered grain movement and tonal variation characteristic of Brazilian species such as jacaranda and related hardwoods used during the period.
Both chairs retain their original manufacturing seals beneath the seats, affirming authenticity and period integrity. Vintage and contemporary publications documenting comparable examples accompany the lot, reinforcing the model’s presence within the broader canon of mid-century Brazilian design.
Sold as a pair, these armchairs encapsulate the balance of craft, comfort, and modernist restraint that defined Brazil’s most compelling domestic interiors of the 1960s — where structure, material, and proportion converged with quiet confidence.