Set of Eight Chairs (1966)
Solid rosewood structure with slatted backrest and natural straw seat
Country of origin: Brazil
This set of eight chairs, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in 1966, exemplifies the timeless elegance of Brazilian modernist furniture. Crafted in jacarandá maciço (solid rosewood), the chairs feature a slatted backrest that emphasizes verticality and rhythm, combined with a woven cane seat that brings lightness and organic texture to the design.
Tenreiro’s mastery is evident in the harmony between structure and space: the chairs are robust yet refined, functional yet sculptural. Their clean lines and thoughtful proportions express his core philosophy—“lightness” as both a physical and aesthetic ideal. Presented against the sweeping architectural curves of a modern interior, the ensemble underscores Tenreiro’s dialogue with Brazilian modernism in both design and architecture.
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) was a leading figure in the evolution of Brazilian modernist design. Born in Portugal and based in Brazil, Tenreiro was a pioneer in merging European modernist principles with Brazilian craftsmanship and materials. His use of native woods, minimal ornamentation, and a deep sensitivity to proportion and context helped define a uniquely Brazilian modernist language.
Renowned for both his furniture and his later artistic reliefs, Tenreiro’s legacy is found in prestigious collections worldwide. His work is not only functional design but a poetic statement on material, space, and the cultural identity of Brazil in the 20th century.
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