Large Coffee Table in Rosewood and Glass by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1950s

Designed in the 1950s by Joaquim Tenreiro, this large coffee table is a refined example of Tenreiro’s structural and material clarity. Crafted entirely from Brazilian rosewood (Jacarandá), the table is defined by four slender legs connected by horizontal wooden stretchers, creating a visually balanced and architecturally grounded composition.

An embedded opaque glass top rests seamlessly within the wooden structure, reinforcing Tenreiro’s interest in integrating materials rather than layering them decoratively. The rosewood has been masterfully restored, revealing exceptional grain and tonal depth, while the original glass surface remains in excellent condition. Notably, the original Brazilian tax stamp from the late 1950s is still present, offering rare documentary evidence of period production and authenticity.

This model is documented in Tenreiro’s published work, situating it firmly within his most influential design period. Elegant yet disciplined, the table reflects Tenreiro’s pursuit of lightness, proportion, and functional modern living in postwar Brazil.