Bar in Hardwood, Metal, Novo Rumo, 1960s

Produced by Novo Rumo in the 1960s, this bar cabinet reflects the experimental material combinations and geometric vocabulary that characterized Brazilian design during the later decades of the modernist movement. The piece demonstrates the period’s interest in balancing rich native hardwoods with industrial metals while incorporating decorative motifs that reference earlier design traditions. Novo Rumo, active in mid-century Brazil, frequently explored these material contrasts, creating furnishings that combined sculptural presence with practical domestic function.

The cabinet is conceived as a suspended volume supported by a distinctive open base. Two plated metal uprights rise from low wooden feet, joined by a horizontal wooden stretcher that stabilizes the structure while visually grounding the composition. Above this framework, the cabinet body appears elevated, creating a sense of lightness despite the mass of the hardwood construction. The geometry is direct and architectural, with broad planar surfaces and crisp edges emphasizing the clarity of the design.

The front façade introduces a contrasting decorative field. Panels of original leatherette are arranged within a repeating hexagonal grid, each cell centered by a diamond-shaped metal inlay. The pattern recalls the geometric ornament of Art Deco while being interpreted through a distinctly mid-century lens, where ornament is contained within a disciplined structural framework. This interplay between surface decoration and restrained form contributes to the cabinet’s visual rhythm.

Constructed in Brazilian rosewood (jacaranda), the cabinet exhibits the dense grain and deep tonal variation characteristic of the species. The wood is finished to emphasize its natural figure, providing warmth against the cooler plated metal elements of the base. The rear of the cabinet is fitted with two sliding doors, revealing an interior designed for bar storage and service. This concealed compartment allows bottles, glassware, and accessories to be organized while maintaining the clean exterior lines of the piece.

The cabinet originates from a private residence and retains its original leatherette façade. The wood surfaces have been carefully preserved, and the metal elements show finishes consistent with age and use.