Giuseppe Scapinelli Round Coffee Table in Caviuna and Marble, Brazil 1960s

Giuseppe Scapinelli round coffee table in caviuna wood and marble, Brazil 1960s. Marked with designer’s label on the bottom.

This rare circular coffee table has a curvy and elegant design that is typical for Brazilian designer Giuseppe Scapinelli. Four cylindrical, sensual tapered legs support the sculptural bowl in caviuna wood that has a beautiful grain. The table has a thick marble inset with patterned patches in maroon and grey tones, that further add to the subtle elegant appearance.

About the designer: ⁣
⁣Giuseppe Scapinelli was born in Reggio Emilia in Italy on the 2nd of July 1911 and he was the 6th of 13 sons. He graduated in architecture in 1941. However just as his career was starting, it was abruptly interrupted by WW2 and he was forced to live in seclusion in an antique furniture shop, where he further studied the styles and production of old furniture. After the devastations of the war, the promise of a better life in South America lured and in 1948 Scapinelli decided to leave for Brazil and more specifically the metropole São Paulo.

At first Scapinelli worked for the architect and well-known 'Paulista' Francesco Matarazzo, who opened many doors for him and other Italian refugees. Later, in 1950 Scapinelli opened his own office. Because of his modern and complete style in interior decoration, he soon settled as an architect / decorator backed by a great team of skilled Italian woodworkers.

On top of his technique, Scapinelli was constantly studying all forms of visual arts and for example frequently integrated ceramics in his works. He knew how to be modern without abondoning the classical principles he had learned in Italy.
As he was described in Brazil’s Casa e Jardim magazine at the time "(He is) a classic who does not forget to be modern - or if you prefer - a modernist who does not forget to be classic". After a full life Giuseppe Scapinelli died in São Paulo in 1982, aged 71.

Today Scapinelli's style is still easily recognizable because of the curvy lines and soft sensual shapes, very much away from the mainstream works of his fellow designers at the time with works beautifully crafted in traditional Brazilian woods like caviuna and jacaranda.