Cadeira de Três Pés (Three-Legged Chair), c. 1947
Laminated and lacquered Brazilian hardwoods: rosewood, imbuia, ivorywood, roxinho, and amendoim
Dimensions: 57 x 71 x 69 cm
The Cadeira de Três Pés, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro around 1947, stands as a seminal piece in the canon of Brazilian modernist furniture. This chair exemplifies Tenreiro's innovative approach to design, merging traditional craftsmanship with modernist aesthetics. Constructed using a meticulous lamination technique, the chair features alternating strips of native Brazilian woods—rosewood, imbuia, ivorywood, roxinho, and amendoim—creating a harmonious interplay of colors and textures that accentuate its sculptural form.
The chair's three-legged structure is not merely a stylistic choice but a testament to Tenreiro's commitment to functional design. The ergonomic curvature of the seat and backrest ensures comfort, while the minimalist form reflects a departure from the ornate European styles prevalent in Brazil at the time. This piece was not mass-produced; instead, it was crafted for discerning clients who appreciated the fusion of form and function.
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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