Joaquim Tenreiro (1906 Portugal-1992 Brasil) / Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações. Model created circa 1947.

Firm paper label “Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações, Rua 7 de Março” Roxinho, pau-marfim, imbuia, mogno and pau ferro wood (native woods from Brazil)

H 70 X L 66 X P 57cm

Observations: Minimal sings of wear, fading of the ink in firm label.

Cadeira de Três Pés (Three Legged Chair) is a design work of sculptural quality, resulting from the juxtaposition of five native woods from Brazil. The trapezoidal design of Cadeira de Três Pés comes from a unique piece that shapes both its seat and backrest with rounded edges, molded in curves, one of Brazilian modernism favorite themes. By combining five distinct native woods from Brazil, Tenreiro masterfully creates parallel and rhythmical lines that further elevate the fluidity of the chair’s structural curves, complemented by the elegance of the three legs in conic shape, tapered at its base. This model’s structural conception derives not only from modernist ideals, but also from the native roots of Brazil, approach the combination of the hammock seat and traditional tribal wood benches. By using these five native woods, Tenreiro makes a cultural reference to Brazilian modernism, inherent to the design piece. The seeming simplicity of this three legged chair reveals a skillful execution and complex geometrical formulation, through which Joaquim Tenreiro produced a timeless work of art, an iconic Brazilian modernist design that’s still relevant 70 years later.