Pair of “Concha” Armchairs in Green Suede, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s

Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, c. 1960s. The model known as Concha (Portuguese for “shell”) distills Tenreiro’s refined approach to form and comfort into a single, sculptural idea: a continuous, shell-like back that curves inward to become the armrests, producing a unified, architectural profile that reads as both object and embrace.

Formally, the design is spare and decisive. A gently reclined, wraparound back sweeps down to meet a generously proportioned seat, the whole elevated on four slender “toothpick” legs that give the composition a poised lightness. The silhouette is predicated on economy of means—proportion, line and curvature are the organizing devices—while the transition from back to arm is resolved with Tenreiro’s characteristic structural clarity.

Crafted with a hardwood structure and upholstered in green suede, the chairs balance tactile richness with formal restraint. The suede reads as a sober, desaturated field that complements the frame’s warm grain, while the tapered legs and careful framing speak to precise joinery and thoughtful detailing. Execution favors material integrity over ornament: grain, edge treatment and the continuity of the shell remain the primary expressive devices.

Function is integral to the design. The enveloping back articulates an easy, lounge-forward posture; comfort is described as considered support and repose rather than plushness, the geometry of the shell producing an assured, supportive sit.

In excellent vintage condition — the hardwood frames are sound, the suede upholstery is in great condition. If you would like to change the upholstery, Found Collectibles is available to assist with the process.