“Rectangular” Four-Seat Sofa in Hardwood & Antique Rose Velvet by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s - Lot 501

Description

This rare four-seat Rectangular sofa was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and produced in Brazil during the 1950s, a decisive decade in the formation of Brazilian modern furniture. Tenreiro—often regarded as the father of Brazilian modern design—played a central role in redefining furniture as an extension of architecture, privileging structure, proportion, and the expressive potential of wood.

The sofa exemplifies Tenreiro’s philosophy of visual lightness paired with structural rigor. Its hardwood frame establishes a clear architectural rhythm, while the generously upholstered body and loose seat and back cushions introduce comfort without compromising formal discipline. Upholstered in antique rose thick velvet, the piece reflects Tenreiro’s nuanced use of color and texture, a hallmark of his mature work.

Produced by Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações, the sofa retains the original manufacturer’s seal on the back. The structure has been professionally reinforced, ensuring both durability and comfort. Provenance documentation is available upon request.

Tenreiro’s work is extensively documented in the foundational literature on Brazilian modernism, including Joaquim Tenreiro: Wood / Art and Design and Tenreiro, which situate his production alongside Brazil’s broader postwar cultural and architectural transformation.