Set of 2 Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1950s

Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992), these dining chairs exemplify the designer’s pioneering role in shaping Brazilian modern furniture during the mid-20th century. Often regarded as the father of Brazilian modernism in furniture design, Tenreiro sought to move away from the heavy European-influenced styles prevalent in Brazil during the early twentieth century, instead developing a language defined by lightness, structural clarity, and a sensitive use of native woods. These chairs reflect that philosophy through their refined proportions and disciplined linear composition.

The design is defined by a tall, slender backrest composed of a sequence of evenly spaced horizontal slats framed by gently tapered uprights. This vertical emphasis gives the chairs a sense of visual height and elegance while maintaining an open, airy presence. The thin, tapering “palito” (toothpick) legs—one of Tenreiro’s most recognizable formal devices—reinforce this lightness, creating a delicate silhouette that appears almost suspended despite the chair’s structural stability.

Crafted in hardwood, the frames highlight the warmth and natural character of the material, with subtle tonal variation visible across the grain. The wood has been professionally refinished, allowing the richness of the surface and the precision of the joinery to emerge with clarity. The seats have been newly reupholstered in black leather, providing a restrained contrast to the wood while maintaining the piece’s refined modernist character.

Function and comfort are thoughtfully integrated into the design. The slightly angled backrest and upholstered seat create supportive ergonomics suited for extended dining, while the open slatted structure allows the chair to maintain visual lightness within a room.

Professionally refinished and reupholstered, the chairs are in excellent vintage condition. As works by one of the most influential figures in Brazilian modern design, they stand as refined examples of Tenreiro’s pursuit of structural elegance, material integrity, and enduring craftsmanship.