1970’s Brazilian MP81 Wood and Leather Sofa by Percival Lafer
About the Item
- Creator:Percival Lafer (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.5 in (69.85 cm)Width: 80.5 in (204.47 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:Victoria, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8825239076702
Percival Lafer
When it comes to mid-century furniture, the innovative work of the Brazilian Modernists has often been overlooked, including the designs of prolific maker Percival Lafer. Lafer studied architecture at São Paulo’s Universidade Mackenzie. After he graduated, his father passed away suddenly, leaving a furniture business that Lafer took over with his brothers.
Taking up the mantle, Lafer made the jump from architecture to furniture design in 1961, putting a focus on thoughtfully designed pieces available at affordable prices. That year, Lafer introduced his supremely popular MP-1 chair, a plush piece of furniture made with iron and wood that he has riffed on throughout his entire career.
The silhouettes of Lafer lounge chairs, armchairs and other seating were distinct from streamlined American and European mid-century modernism, taking on casual, puffed forms thanks to his use of polyurethane layers as padding. He combined such contemporary industrial materials with local natural ones, namely Brazilian hardwoods, which delighted customers around the world as Lafer became one of the country’s leading exporters of furniture.
Lafer has continued to design furniture throughout his career, branching into sofas, tables and lighting. He was at the forefront of mechanical furniture movements, debuting the MP-7 sofa, which could turn into a twin bed, in 1965, the first such piece on the market. One of his most intriguing projects was the MP Lafer, a two-seat fiberglass roadster designed to emulate British sports cars. Some 4,300 units were produced over its 16-year manufacturing run in the ’70s and ’80s, with several ending up in the collections of major car museums.
Still, Lafer’s biggest claim to fame is his seating, which he continues to design, drawing inspiration from modern shapes and local materials. In 2017, a retrospective of his work was organized as part of the São Paulo Design Weekend.
Find vintage Percival Lafer furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Victoria, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 1970s Brazilian Leather MP97 Sofa by Percival LaferBy Percival LaferLocated in Victoria, BCWe are delighted to unveil the newest addition to our esteemed vintage Brazilian collection: an exceptionally rare high-back variation of Percival Lafer's iconic MP97 sofa for Móveis...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsLeather
- 1960’s Brazilian Wood and Icelandic Sheepskin MP185 Chair by Percival LaferBy Percival LaferLocated in Victoria, BCWe are thrilled to introduce our latest vintage Brazilian creation: a Model MP185 chair, designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s. This piece has undergone a complete transformation, ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsSheepskin
- 1960's Brazillian Wood and Leather MP185 Chair by Percival LaferBy Percival LaferLocated in Victoria, BCWe are thrilled to introduce our latest addition to our vintage Brazilian collection: a Model MP185 chair, designed by Percival Lafer in the 1960s. This piece has undergone a complet...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsWood
- 1970s Italian Wood and Rattan Magazine HolderLocated in Victoria, BCThis beautiful little Italian accent piece features a lacquered beech frame and hand caned magazine holders within. Crafted in Italy during the 1970s, this entire piece is in remarka...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsRattan
- 1960s Brazilian Rosewood Eleh Bench by Sergio RodriguesBy Sergio RodriguesLocated in Victoria, BCWe are excited to introduce the newest addition to our esteemed vintage Brazilian furniture collection: the highly sought-after "Eleh" coffee table/bench designed by Sergio Rodrigues...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsJacaranda
- 1960's Brazilian Rosewood Desk by Jorge Zalszupin for L'atelierBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Victoria, BCFresh from restoration, we are thrilled to present the newest edition to our esteemed Brazilian furniture collection. Designed by Jorge Zalszupin for L'atelier in the 1960's, this ea...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsJacaranda
- COR Leather Sofa setLocated in Munich, DEA great set of a sofa, two arm chairs and a white coffee tableCategory
20th Century Furniture
MaterialsLeather
- 18th Century Elegant Sofa in Carved and Gilded WoodLocated in Firenze, ITElegant sofa in carved and gilded wood. The piece of furniture comes from an important Florentine residence. The carvings and pure gold gilding are of excellent workmanship, circa 18...Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Furniture
MaterialsWood
- Japanese Antique Sofa Bench Oak Wood 1930s-1940s Primitive JapandiLocated in Chiba-Shi, JPThis is an old Japanese bench sofa. It is large enough to seat three people. The frame is made of oak. The oak wood, which has turned dark brown over ti...Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Furniture
MaterialsWood
- Origami Mahjong Table in Genuine Leather & Oak Wood by André Fu LivingBy André FuLocated in Admiralty, HKinspired by the unique geometries of origami art, our mahjong table is distinctly modern in spirit. hand-crafted in solid oakwood and completed with an i...Category
2010s Chinese Dining Room Tables
MaterialsOak, Leather
- Clover Mahjong Table in Genuine Leather & Oak Wood by André Fu LivingBy André FuLocated in Admiralty, HKColor: Grey Wood Leather: Tan Size: 99L x 99W x 77.5Hcm Material: Oak & Leather.Category
2010s Chinese Dining Room Tables
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Wood and Beveled Glass VitrineLocated in Round Top, TXWood and beveled glass vitrine with upper and lower display areas. Use for your collection or store. Great condition.Category
Antique Early 1900s Italian Furniture
MaterialsGlass, Wood