Paulistano Armchair

A Brazilian version of a Bauhaus classic, Paulo Mendes da Rocha’s Paulistano Chair (1957) is a piece that holds its own with the iconic cantilevered armchairs from Alvar Aalto, Mart Stam, Mies van der Rohe and other European classics. This chair was not available in the U.S. market until 2006. Details that make a difference are the signature of this architect. The frame, a continuous 17-foot piece of solid stainless steel, is shaped under 200 lbs of hydraulic pressure over 24 hours. The result is a sinuous structure welded in a single spot and wrapped in almost an entire hide of leather that will gain depth and luster as it ages. Exceptionally comfortable, the Paulistano flexes slightly and can be adjusted for upright or relaxed sitting positions by shifting the sling up or down the frame. The stainless steel frame is hand-machine polished and may exhibit markings consistent with hand craftsmanship. The frame in phosphatized carbon steel, which is the original raw material used in 1957, is slightly rough to the touch and will oxidize slowly with time. This was the intent of the architect, who wants the appearance to evolve, believing the charm of a piece of furniture resides in its "unpermanent" character. To prevent rust, the carbon steel chair should be treated with WD40 twice annually. To see both sides of the Missoni cover, click on Room Views. Not recommended for outdoor use. Made in Brazil.