Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood&Travertine Giuseppe Scapinelli 1954

Available today, Giuseppe Scapinelli’s iconic Maracanã coffee table is made of Brazilian Rosewood, as known as Jacaranda and travertine. The top has a circular wood base that holds the travertine, giving a futuristic look when seen from above. The four curved legs connect to each other through a wood joint making the table sturdy.

What makes this table special is the woodwork quality. While the edges are round and smooth, they are not perfectly uniform but still look great.

The name Maracanã comes after the famous football stadium in Rio de Janeiro built in 1950 who has a similar shape when seen from above. Side tables are also available.

The last images showcase a contemporary publication of the timeless piece. Besides the marks of time, the table is in excellent condition.

About the author…. Giuseppe Scapinelli was born in 1891 in Modena, Italy, but like many of his Italian fellows, he crossed the ocean and immigrated to Brazil where he started a new life. An accomplished painter, ceramist, and sculptor, he began his career as a furniture designer in the early 1950s.

Scapinelli was both a furniture maker and retailer in 1950s-1960s in São Paulo. His futuristic style is easily recognizable because of the curvy lines and soft shapes, inspired by the Italian design of the 1940s, a departure from the mainstream designs of his fellow retailers. His pieces are beautifully crafted in Brazilian traditional wood. He designed and produced many unique pieces for distinctive São Paulo homes. Scapinelli died in 1982.

Giuseppe Scapinelli’s pieces have sharply increased in popularity in recent years-- being currently styled by many top interior designers around the globe. A quick search online will yield a treasure trove of these pieces being used in several stunning midcentury modern, modern or contemporary environments.

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 overlogging 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.

Size: H33, W70 (cm) H13, W27.6 (in).