Midcentury Chest in Hardwood & Chrome by Forma Moveis, 1965 Brazil, Sealed

Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Chest in Hardwood, designed by Knoll International and produced by Forma Moveis in Brazil in the 1960s is a showstopper!

This Mid-Century Modern gem is made of Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda, and has four chromed legs, two sliding doors with a leather handle (original), two shelves and four drawers made of solid Rosewood. The Jacaranda has been refinished showcasing colorful veins. Besides the marks of age in the legs the piece is in excellent condition. The manufacture seal is underneath the cupboard. The last pictures showcase the piece in its original state. What a change!

Equally as practical as beautiful, these chests will add a touch of midcentury swagger to any home but will also fit into a Modern, Contemporary, or even Eclectic environment.

Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) and Martin Eisler (1913-1977) were the primary designers for the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. They are most known for well-shaped armchairs made in iron, but the production is far more complex, handcrafted, and extensive. The wood pieces produced by Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte during 1950 & 1960s in Brazil is highly designed and well-executed.

Forma continued its model of serialized production and achieved great success in the diffusion of modern furniture, especially from 1959 onwards when it signed a contract with Knoll International. This partnership was a milestone that brought major names in international design to Brazil: Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Marcel Breuer. Eisler also opened a branch of Forma in Buenos Aires as an architectural, Industrial, and interior design firm with partners Arnold Hakel and Susi Aczel, which is still in business today, and known as Interieur Forma Advertisements.

About Brazilian rosewood, also called Jacaranda, is perhaps one of the most beautiful woods in the world. It is regarded as one of the finest tone woods; hard, stiff, and highly resonant with a glass-like ring that sustains; it has a floral scent, like roses, thus the name.

However, extensive over logging over the past three centuries has virtually eliminated this tree from the Brazilian forests, so that today it is not supposed to be logged. The only Material that can be sold legally is old stock. By owning a vintage piece made of old Jacaranda, you’re not only getting a beautiful collectible but also helping this species to recuperate.