Presidential Armchairs, Brazilian Design by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood, c.1959
About the Item
- Creator:Jorge Zalszupin (Designer),L'Atelier San Paulo (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33.86 in (86 cm)Width: 47.25 in (120 cm)Depth: 31.11 in (79 cm)Seat Height: 16.74 in (42.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1959s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
Jorge Zalszupin
Just as emigrant Europeans — from Kem Weber and Paul Frankl to Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe — helped establish modernist design and architecture in the United States, so too did many of their peers foster the new design aesthetic in Brazil in the middle decades of the 20th century. Along with architect Lina Bo Bardi (from Italy) and Joaquim Tenreiro (from Portugal) — both of whom helped popularize Brazilian modern design and influenced today's generation of Brazilian designers — there was Jorge Zalszupin, who arrived from Poland in 1949 and created consistently sleek and elegant chairs, tables and case pieces using the South American country’s vibrantly grained tropical hardwoods.
Zalszupin was born in Warsaw (his given first name is Jerzy) and went on to study architecture at the École des Beaux Arts in Bucharest, Romania, graduating in 1945. Zalszupin moved to Paris but found few opportunities in the postwar City of Light. He was impressed by articles on the work of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer that he saw in the André Bloc–edited magazine L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui (Architecture Today). And after sailing to South America, Zalszupin went to work with his fellow Pole and architect Luciano Korngold in São Paulo. Zalszupin began designing furniture as part of his architectural commissions and created several pieces for Niemeyer for use in the new capital city, Brasília. He opened his own design and manufacturing firm, L’Atelier, in 1959.
While Zalszupin cannot be said to have had a signature style, his furniture designs all share a characteristic simplicity and purity of line and form. His work is often compared to that of Danish designers, most especially in their shared commitment to quality construction. He was a master of many materials: travertine marble for tabletops, slung leather for seating, man-made fabrics for upholstery and — his forte — highly figured woods such as jacaranda and rosewood. The latter plays prominently in two of Zalszupin’s best-known lounge chairs: the Brasiliana, with its austere, angular wood frame, and the Presidencial, with its curved seating shell and slatted backrest. Both chairs feature deep cushions and generous proportions in deference to the Brazilian proclivity for long and languid conversations. Yet both pieces — like all Zalszupin designs — possess a striking, tailored grace that would be perfect in any environment.
Find vintage Jorge Zalszupin furniture on 1stDibs.
L'Atelier San Paulo
L'Atelier San Paulo — one of the few South American furniture manufacturers established in the mid-20th century — marries the highest quality materials with the simplicity of form. With the minimalist aesthetic of mid-century modern shapes and the sleekness of modern lines, its furniture has a whisper of sensuality with an element of tension that has seduced devotees over decades. Combining fine materials is the essence of its practices, such as cleverly pairing premium woods with an elegant marble or sensuous leather and gleaming chrome.
Founded by Jorge Zalszupin, a renowned architect and furniture designer, l'Atelier San Paulo designs commercial and residential pieces out of São Paulo, Brazil. Zalszupin was born Jerzy Zalszupin into a Jewish family in 1922 in Poland. He fled to Romania in 1940 to escape the Nazi occupation. He graduated from Bucharest’s École des Beaux-Arts architecture program in 1944 and emigrated to Brazil in 1949, leaving behind war-scarred Europe. After having a successful architecture firm for close to a decade, he pursued his passion for furniture design by opening l'Atelier San Paulo in 1959.
With Zalszupin at the helm, the company’s pieces were often inspired by the works of Oscar Niemeyer, Le Corbusier and Lucio Costa. A focus on local tropical hardwoods, such as jacaranda, imbuia and rosewood for coffee tables, dining chairs and bar carts, celebrates the diversity of Brazil’s forests. By utilizing Argentina’s famous carpincho leather and bright metals such as brass, chrome and stainless steel in its lounge chairs, sofas and serveware, the company’s work adds sophistication and eclectic style to any space.
On 1stDibs, find l'Atelier San Paulo tables, seating, storage cabinets and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Jorge Zalszupin 801 Armchairs, Rosewood and Fabric, Brazilian MidCentury, 1959By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San PauloLocated in New York, NYThis pair of 801 armchairs was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company L'atelier. 801 armchairs feature a wooden structure with Rosewood feet, and...Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Rosewood
- Pair of Armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, L'atelier, MidCentury, BrazilBy L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThis pair of armchairs had the wood completely restored and the upholstery redone.Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMohair, Wood
- Ouro Preto Armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Leather, L'atelier, 1960sBy Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San PauloLocated in New York, NYOriginal Condition.Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood, Rosewood
- Brazilian Midcentury 511 Dining Table by Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier, 1959By Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThe Dining Table ME 511 was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The pieces are made of Rosewood and iron structures. The highligh ...Category
Antique 1650s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsIron
- Set of 10 Itamaraty Dining Chairs by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1959By Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThe iconic Itamaraty Dining Chairs were designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The pieces are made of solid Rosewood structure with upholstered seats and backrests. The rectangular design brings gorgeous touches, such as the upholstered seat laterals and the slightly reclined backrests. The work of Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) presented itself as one of the most versatile in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His designs are an example of a transition process from the artisanal production mode to serial industrial production. L'atelier Móveis...Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Fabric, Hardwood
- Pair of Brasiliana Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, 1965, Brazilian MidcenturyBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThe iconic Brasiliana is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1965 and produced by his company, L'atelier. These rare pieces have molded laminate wood structures and were part of the first line of furniture from L’atelier. Designed for the launch of the store, this collection still had the execution and details of artisanal woodwork but already introduced some techniques and materials considered innovative. Brasiliana armchairs...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsRosewood, Fabric
- Jorge Zalszupin's Presidential Lounge Chair, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern DesignBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Sao Paulo, SPThe "Presidencial" lounge lounge armchair is a true icon of Brazilian modern design, created by the legendary Polish-Brazilian architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s. This rare and coveted piece showcases the fusion of two cultures, with its base made of tubular steel and black lacquered metal slats, topped with Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood veneers in an unusual bentwood design. Zalszupin's innovative use of molded laminate wood allowed him to create the curves he desired, without the need for costly manual processes. This resulted in a beautifully unique armchair, part of a series composed of a sofa and armchair, that has become a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of Brazilian modern design. The lounge armchair's backrest is composed of profiled hardwood veneer slats, giving the piece a light and organic structure that elegantly accommodates voluminous cushions. Its "U" form seat rests on chrome-plated steel legs with tubular feet, while the armchair's rosewood-reinforced slat back adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. The Presidencial lounge chair is in very good vintage condition and has received new upholsteries in suede. Its sleek and modern design makes it a perfect addition to any space, whether in a home or office setting. While the armchair can be displayed without its original cushions, it also comes with a custom cushion for added comfort and style. Overall, the Presidencial armchair...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Presidential Chair by Jorge ZalszupinBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYDesigned by Polish-Brazilian architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin (1922 - 2022) for L'Atelier, circa 1960s. Constructed with Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood Veneers in an unusual bent...Category
Mid-20th Century Armchairs
MaterialsWood
- Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chair by Jorge ZalszupinBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Atlanta, GAA rare piece of Brazilian modern design, the "presidencial" lounge chair with arms was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (b. 1922) for L'Atelier, circa 1960s. Constructed with Brazilian ro...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel, Chrome
- Lobby Armchair by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern DesignBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Sao Paulo, SPThis gorgeous "Lobby" lounge chair is a true masterpiece of mid-century Brazilian design, created by the renowned architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin in the 1970s. The chair's per...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Pair of Jorge Zalszupin Presidential Armchairs of Hardwood and SuedeBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Madrid, ESPair of 'Presidencial' lounge armchairs, circa 1959-1965, by Polish-Brazilian architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020). These lounge chairs can be displayed with or without their original mustard colored nubuck leather cushions. Base formed of tubular steel and black lacquered metal slats, large thermoformed seat in a shape of an arc of hardwood veneer, backrest of profiled hardwood veneer slats. Manufacturered by L'Atelier, labeled. Literature: Jorge Zalszupin - Design Moderno No Brazil, Maria Cecilia Loschiavo des Santos...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Jorge Zalszupin "Oxford" Midcentury Brazilian Armchair, 1960sBy Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San PauloLocated in Sao Paulo, SPJorge Zalszupin "Oxford" Midcentury Brazilian Armchair, 1960s Produced by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by L'atelier in the 1960s w...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal