1950s José Zanine Caldas (Attributed) Biomorphic Constructionist Interlocking Plywood Coffee Table

Description

A very rare and early example of biomorphic sculptural naval plywood furniture with possible attribution to the design of the … more A very rare and early example of biomorphic sculptural naval plywood furniture with possible attribution to the design of the Brazilian furniture maker Jose Zanine Caldas or one of his contemporaries. A true vintage and potentially one-of-a-kind piece worthy of preservation as part of a collection of the most innovative modern furniture designs and furniture making methods of the 20th Century. Arguably a museum quality piece for its importance as an early example of modernist designs created in plywood.

Constructed of several interlocking plywood pieces the entire table fits together like a puzzle without the need for additional hardware. Dating approximately between 1950-1960. Found in the United States in an area with a large Brazilian diaspora. The origin of this piece is unknown and a direct attribution to Zanine has not been confirmed, though this piece is consistent with the type of work he did when he was designing plywood furniture for working class consumers in Brazil during the late 1940s and early 1950s. less