Pair of Cimo “Xerife” Bentwood Armchairs in Oatmeal Mohair, Brazilian Modern, 1950s - 1240

Description

Expressive bentwood curves and beautifully figured wood define this pair of 1950s Brazilian Modern “Xerife” armchairs by Cimo. Completely restored and fitted with new loose seat cushions in warm oatmeal mohair, the chairs bring together sculptural presence, generous comfort, and the enduring practicality of Brazilian industrial design. Original maker’s labels, numbering, and surviving tax stamps add a compelling historical dimension.

The design unfolds through a series of carefully balanced curves. Broad, gently reclined backrests cradle the body, their rounded corners and subtly concave surfaces emphasizing the wood’s flowing grain. Ribbonlike laminated arms sweep forward from the back before turning downward toward the seat, creating an open profile with a distinctive sense of movement. Exposed layers along the bentwood edges articulate the construction, while curved braces beneath the seats echo the arms above. Substantial front legs and gently swept rear legs give the composition a grounded, elegant stance.

The wood is particularly expressive across the broad backrests, where fine, undulating grain opens into darker, irregular patterns. Warm brown tones, lighter passages, and the character of age give each chair its own individuality. Viewed from behind, the uninterrupted wood surfaces and visible supports make the pair equally appealing when placed freely within a room.

New loose cushions follow the shaped seats, including their softly undulating front edges. Upholstered in warm oatmeal mohair—a nuanced beige with a soft, velvety pile—they introduce a quiet contrast to the richly toned wood. The cushioned seats, supportive backs, and comfortably positioned arms make these exceptionally inviting chairs for everyday use.

Cimo holds an important place in the development of Brazilian modern furniture. Its pioneering use of bentwood, plywood, and serial production helped bring well-designed, durable seating into everyday life on a national scale. The company furnished schools, public offices, cinemas, and theaters, developing into an industrial network that became the largest furniture manufacturer in Latin America. Its significance lies in this union of material intelligence, recognizable design, and the ability to furnish Brazil’s expanding public and domestic interiors.

The scale of that contribution was extraordinary: a 1950 Cimo advertisement reported more than one million seats installed in cinemas and theaters throughout Brazil. The Xerife name also appears in Brazilian museum collections, where it identifies related Cimo armchair forms, including swivel versions—a reminder of the design’s connection to the country’s working and institutional interiors.

Here, that functional heritage takes on a distinctly decorative presence. Used as a pair of accent chairs in a living room, opposite a desk, or within a bedroom seating area, these restored examples offer an uncommon balance of visual lightness and substantial construction. Their sweeping arms, beautifully aged wood, and soft mohair cushions make them both expressive objects and comfortable, purposeful furniture.