Giuseppe Scapinelli Extendable Dining Table for Angelini & Delneri, São Paulo, Brazil 1950s



















Giuseppe Scapinelli Extendable Dining Table for Angelini & Delneri, São Paulo, Brazil 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Giuseppe Scapinelli was known as a designer who successfully combined “the classic” with “the modern”, and this table stands as evidence. Scapinelli was a Brazilian designer from São Paulo who did not use any means of mass production. His furniture alternated and combined elements from Italian classicism, innovative aerodynamic lines, and biomorphic shapes.
This rare circular table has an amazing construction that praises the firm, Angelini & Delneri. Upon first sight, this model is an elegant circular table made of beautifully grained wood. However, when the table is extended, the elaborate system is revealed by which the extra wooden leaves can be added to extend the length. The artisanal level craftsmanship is as stunning as the design itself, with traditional joinery techniques such as pegs and so-called ‘biscuit’ joints. Besides the extension system, the craftsmanship is also evident in every edge and angle, such as the legs’ curve and the ring strengthening them. This table is very successful at balancing large volumes with clean lines. The legs have rounded edges and are slightly splayed below the wooden ring.
This memorable design is from a designer committed to pushing the boundaries of modernist design in Brazil. The form is functional and elegant with subtle flourishes like intricate wooden details and the evident emphasis on functionality. This dining table is a grand piece that will stand out and add character to any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
47.24 in Ø x 28.34 in H
120 cm Ø x 72 cm H
About the designer:
Giuseppe Scapinelli was born in Reggio Emilia in Italy on the 2nd of July 1911 and was the 6th of thirteen sons. He graduated after studying 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 methods of old furniture. After the devastations of the war, the promise of a better life in South America oriented Scapinelli towards the continent. Finally, in 1948, Scapinelli decided to leave for Brazil, more specifically to the metropolis of 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 studio. 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.
Scapinelli was constantly studying all forms of visual arts and frequently integrated ceramics in his works. He was described in Brazil’s Casa e Jardim magazine at the time as: "{…} a classic who does not forget to be modern - or if you prefer - a modernist who does not forget to be classic". After a fruitful life, Giuseppe Scapinelli died in São Paulo in 1982, at the age of 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 from traditional Brazilian woods like caviuna and jacaranda, he is remembered for his unique works combining the classic with the modern. ~H.
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Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Nordiska Kompaniet from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Skoga” series in the early 1930s.
The “Skoga” series was crafted as part of a broader collection of summer-house furniture, intended to be both practical and aesthetically harmonious with the rugged beauty of the Swedish landscape. Despite its utilitarian roots, the series, as well as this table, exudes quiet sophistication and a timeless appeal focusing on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, this table is strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles according to which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions, producing a unique and primitive modernism. It is quite robust without being intrusive, naturally standing to be the centre of the room. The legs and stretch-bar base emphasize structural clarity and durability, while the rounded corners and visible joinery express a handcrafted, almost sculptural quality. The rectangular tabletop is comprised of three planks of wood, yet it has a light impression. The large surface shows off the pattern of the wood and colour variation. The absence of heavy ornamentation is also in service of enhancing the organic, simple look that defined Swedish design of the era. Each element, joint and line is well crafted and solid, the attention given to every construction and finishing detail is obvious.
This table doesn’t depend on its details, rather, it is just as arresting from afar as from a proximity. The joinery and woodworking reveal the quality craftsmanship of the experts at Nordiska Kompaniet. The most charming thing about this table however, is that it showcases classic elements and so much history, but it lends itself easily to a modern interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
70.86 in W x 23.62 in D x 27.55 in H
180 cm W x 60 cm D x 70 cm H