Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Cane by John Graz, 1950s, Brazil

Available today, these fabulous Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & Cane designed by John Graz in the fifties are THE FIND of the year.

The delicate set is made of Brazilian rosewood, known as Jacaranda and consists of four toothpick legs, a seat and backrest in caning and delicate curved armrests that connect with the backrest making one piece.

There are three reasons why this set is SOOO special: This model was designed in the early fifties when production in Brazil was still very artisanal and production batches were small, therefore there are not many of them.
Second, this armchair is one of John Graz most known designs, despite the fact he wasn't a prolific furniture designer (more in bio below). Attached some publications.
Lastly, the piece is a masterpiece of design. The organic shape of the structure gives a visual illusion of levity despite the fact the armchair is quite sturdy.
The armchairs are displayed in our showroom next to a Jorge Zalszupin Pullman Sofa and the famous Acqua table of Giuseppe Scapinelli and truly looks spectacular (Last image)
This effortlessly sleek set can blend into almost any type of contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, boho chic, or modern environment. A beautiful set like this, will add a touch of Mid-Century Modern swagger to any home!
The wood has only been repainted and besides some minor marks in the legs, the set is in excellent condition.
John Graz entered the course in architecture, decoration and design at the Geneva School of fine Arts in 1910. Graz has twice received the Lissignol Scholarship and part for studies in Spain. Engaged, he came to Brazil in 1920 and married in São Paulo. Through Oswald de Andrade, the couple becomes part of the city's intellectual life. Graz participated in the 1922 Modern Art Week, exhibiting seven canvases. In the same year, he had one of his works published in Klaxon magazine, in its 7th edition.
From 1923 onwards, he carried out home decoration projects: creating countless stained glass windows and designing furniture and pieces such as doors, locks, lamps, rugs and frescoes. He is considered, with Regina and Antonio Gomide, one of the introducers of the Art Deco style in São Paulo. He worked with Gregori Warchavchik, a newcomer to the country, decorating the houses designed by the Russian architect. In 1925, Graz presented tubular furniture in São Paulo, made of metallic pipes and laminated wood, with geometric shapes. Endowed with great technical and manufacturing knowledge, he personally monitors the production of the pieces at the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, where he has the collaboration of Federico Oppido. He is innovative in room decoration. When designing the furniture, he foresees its distribution in space and its relationship with panels, stained glass and frescoes. The integration of elements is a characteristic of the houses decorated by Graz: the same proposal extends from painted panels to furniture, objects and lighting.

However, the incipient Brazilian industry made it impossible to transform prototypes authored by John Graz into tools produced on a large scale.

Size: H29.5, W22, D20.1 (in) H75, W56, D51 (cm).