Just as emigrant Europeans — from Kem Weber and Paul Frankl to Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe — helped establish modernist design and architecture in the United States, so too did many of their peers foster the new design aesthetic in Brazil in the middle decades of the 20th century. Along with architect Lina Bo Bardi (from Italy) and Joaquim Tenreiro (from Portugal) — both of whom helped popularize Brazilian modern design and influenced today's generation of Brazilian designers — there was Jorge Zalszupin, who arrived from Poland in 1949 and created consistently sleek and elegant chairs, tables and case pieces using the South American country’s vibrantly grained tropical hardwoods.
Zalszupin was born in Warsaw (his given first name is Jerzy) and went on to study architecture at the École des Beaux Arts in Bucharest, Romania, graduating in 1945. Zalszupin moved to Paris but found few opportunities in the postwar City of Light. He was impressed by articles on the work of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer that he saw in the André Bloc–edited magazine L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui (Architecture Today). And after sailing to South America, Zalszupin went to work with his fellow Pole and architect Luciano Korngold in São Paulo. Zalszupin began designing furniture as part of his architectural commissions and created several pieces for Niemeyer for use in the new capital city, Brasília. He opened his own design and manufacturing firm, L’Atelier, in 1959.
While Zalszupin cannot be said to have had a signature style, his furniture designs all share a characteristic simplicity and purity of line and form. His work is often compared to that of Danish designers, most especially in their shared commitment to quality construction. He was a master of many materials: travertine marble for tabletops, slung leather for seating, man-made fabrics for upholstery and — his forte — highly figured woods such as jacaranda and rosewood. The latter plays prominently in two of Zalszupin’s best-known lounge chairs: the Brasiliana, with its austere, angular wood frame, and the Presidencial, with its curved seating shell and slatted backrest. Both chairs feature deep cushions and generous proportions in deference to the Brazilian proclivity for long and languid conversations. Yet both pieces — like all Zalszupin designs — possess a striking, tailored grace that would be perfect in any environment.
Find vintage Jorge Zalszupin furniture on 1stDibs.
Jorge Zalszupin Vintage ‘Petalas’ Coffee Table, Rosewood, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An iconic ‘Pétalas’ coffee table designed by Jorge Zalszupin for L’Atelier in the 1960s. Composed of six individual rosewood elements arranged around a central steel structure, the d...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Pétalas Coffee Table in Hardwood and Iron, Brazil, c.1975
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Dublin, IE
Details Pétalas Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin Hardwood and iron Produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, circa 1975 Height 30 cm (11.8 in) Diameter 108 cm (42.5 in) Provenance Private c...
Iron
Brazilian Modern “Pétala” Coffee Table in Rosewood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the late 1950s by Jorge Zalszupin, the Pétala coffee table stands among the most ambitious and sculptural works of Brazilian modern furniture. Conceived during Zalszupin’...
Metal
$14,735Sale Price|30% Off
Jorge Zalszupin - rare Pétala table L'Atelier, Brazil 1959, original label
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
Delicate and sophisticated, the Pétala CoffeeTable is one of Jorge Zalszupin's most famous pieces. The curvature, which defies wood structures, is brilliantly reminiscent of the peta...
Iron
Petalas Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
An iconic “Pétalas” coffee table by Jorge Zalszupin, designed circa 1959 and produced by L’Atelier. Widely regarded as one of the most important early works of Brazilian modern desig...
Iron
"Chanceler" Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood and Metal, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s, the Chanceler coffee table exemplifies the refined materiality and structural clarity that define the designer’s work. Zalszupin (1922–2020)...
Iron
1960' s Jorge Zalszupin Andorinha Wood & Leather Coffee Table Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Milano, IT
ANDORINHA Coffee Table by JORGE ZALSZUPIN (Brazil, 1960s). Shaped multi-layer wood coffee table, veneered in wood, featuring a natural leather and chrome metal magazine rack. Dimensi...
Leather, Wood
Limestone Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin in Rosewood & Marble, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The Limestone coffee table stands among Jorge Zalszupin's most intellectually sophisticated and architecturally resolved early designs, embodying the designer's relentless pursuit of...
Marble
Me 508 Side Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, circa 1959
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The "me 508" side table was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and produced by his company L'Atelier in 1959 – the year of its inauguration. The works of the first phase of L'At...
Glass, Rosewood
Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A sophisticated and unconventional design that reveals Zalszupin’s fascination with material dialogue and geometric balance. The table’s soft-edged square form combines jacarandá ros...
Metal
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Cubo' Coffee Table, Wool Upholstery, Brazil, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin 'Cubo' Coffee Table Wool Upholstery With Original Maker's Label Brazil, 1970s Designed in the 1970s, the Cubo collection consists of sculptural seating and tables de...
Wool, Wood
$6,800Sale Price|28% Off
Jorge Zalszupin Brazilian Low Table
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Rare table combining rich Brazilian wood with metal, by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.
Metal
Mid-Century 1960s Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Romana Coffee Table
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) was a Polish-born architect and designer who became a pivotal figure in Brazilian modernism. Born Jerzy Zalszupin in Warsaw, he fled Nazi-occupied Poland ...
Marble
$14,994 / set
Jorge Zalszupin Mesa Chanceler Pair L'atelier, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful pair of Mesa de Centro Chanceler tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. The Mesa de...
Metal
Me 508 Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, circa 1959
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The "me 508" side table was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and produced by his company L'Atelier in 1959 – the year of its inauguration. The works of the first phase of L'At...
Rosewood, Glass
$69,000
H 29.5 in W 159 in D 63 in
Jorge Zalszupin, Large Dining Table, Imbuia, Leather, Concrete, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in High Point, NC
A large Imbuia and leather over concrete 'Guanabara' dining or conference table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, c. 1960s.
Concrete, Metal
Jorge Zalszupin, Side Table, Cavuina, Formica, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A caviuna wood, metal and white formica side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced for Hotel Nacional, 1960s. With a metal plate indicating the commission. Dimensions: 29...
Formica, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Hardwood round coffee table 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, Percival Lafer
Located in Den Haag, NL
Brazilian hardwood round coffee table 1960's made by unknown designer (in research) The table still has some original 1950's brazilian stamps and moving notes on the back. Please n...
Hardwood
$60,200
H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 76.78 in
Jorge Zalszupin 'Guanabara' Rosewood Vintage Dining Table, 1960s, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guanabara is a table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. A rosewood patchwork top rests over one concrete base finished...
Leather, Wood
Jorge Zalszupin, Console Table, Rosewood, Brazil, 1975
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood console table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, 1975. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 44.375"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High Poi...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin, Console Table, Rosewood, Brazil, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood console table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, 1970s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.75"H x 33.125"W x 17.75"D All items ship from High Po...
Rosewood
Round Dining Table in Hardwood and Metal by Jorge Zalszupin, c.1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) in the 1960s, this round dining table exemplifies the designer’s refined negotiation between material richness and structural restraint. A cen...
Metal
$38,809
H 12.21 in W 53.94 in D 26.78 in
Jorge Zalszupin, Coffee Table Model “Romana”, Jacaranda, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jorge Zalszupin Coffee table model “Romana” Manufactured by L’Atelier Brazil, 1960s Jacaranda, marble From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements: 137.16 cm x 68.58 cm x 30.48 H cm 54 in x 27 in x 12 H in Literature Maria Cecilia Loschiavo dos Santos, Jorge Zalszupin, Design Moderno no Brasil, Éditions Olhares, São Paulo 2014 Concept Jorge Zalszupin collaboration with Oscar Niemeyer, a legend of Brazilian modernism, had a great influence on his aesthetics. He made his way to Brazil at the precise moment when the Brazilian form of modernistic architecture was being shaped by Niemeyer, Le Corbusier, and Lucio Costa. Zalszupin’s furniture fits perfectly with the style of this period in design. In his designs, Zalszupin blends simplicity of form with sensuality. Materials of the highest quality are the essence of his design practice. With a marble top affixed on thin, exquisitely curved wooden bases, the Romana coffee table...
Marble
Rare 1970's Jorge Zalszupin L'atelier Space-Age Plastic Desk
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Norwalk, CT
Rarely seen and even more rarely available Space-Age molded plastic desk manufactured by L'atelier, São Paulo, Brazil. Design attributed to Jorge Z...
Metal
$25,000
H 11.4 in W 39.4 in D 39.4 in
Limestone Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin in Rosewood & Marble, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The Limestone coffee table stands among Jorge Zalszupin's most intellectually sophisticated and architecturally resolved early designs, embodying the designer's relentless pursuit of...
Marble
Jorge Zalszupin 'Guaruja' Rosewood Vintage Dining Table, 1960s, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guarujá is a table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. A rosewood patchwork top rests over one concrete base finished with leather. This patchwork solution is present in other pieces designed by Zalszupin. Modern design taught us about using the material rationally, having the design as a tool to avoid waste. Aesthetically, the patchwork explores the different tones of the Brazilian rosewood beautifully, achieving a unique result. At the time, the Guanabara table was presented as a dynamic piece that could be used in the corporate spaces (as a meeting...
Concrete
$10,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 22.05 in D 17.92 in
Pair of End Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a pair of end tables, Rosewood, and leather. Brazil, circa the 1960s. Pair of end tables made in Brazilian rosewood patchwork (Jacaranda), black leat...
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin 'Pétalas' Coffee Table in Rosewood
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jorge Zalszupin for L'Atelier, coffee table, Jacaranda rosewood, Brazil, 1960s. The 'Pétalas' coffee table is a design by Jorge Zalszupin, ins...
Rosewood
1960's Jorge Zalszupin Coffee Table Petalas Brazil wood Atelier
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Milano, IT
The “Petalas” Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin (Brazil, circa 1960) is an icon of mid-century Brazilian design and a testament to Zalszupin’s mastery of form and material. Produced by...
Metal, Steel
Sold
H 13.39 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Center Coffee Table 'Chanceler', Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
A stunning example of Brazilian modernist design, the "Chanceler" coffee table by Jorge Zalszupin embodies the timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship that defined the designer’s...
Marble
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Andorinha' Coffee Table
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Refinished Jorge Zalszupin 'Andorinha' Coffee Table in Brazilian Rosewood
Rosewood
Sold
H 12 in W 39 in D 39 in
Jorge Zalszupin Rosewood Petala Coffee Table Original 1970s Brazilian Modern
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Exceedingly rare 1960s Jorge Zalszupin Petalas coffee table. This table purchased from the original owner in Richmond Virginia. O...
Rosewood
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 51.19 in
Jorge Zalszupin - Petalas table L'Atelier, Brazil 1959 - with original label
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
Delicate and sophisticated, the Petalas CoffeeTable is one of Jorge Zalszupin's most famous pieces. The curvature, which defies wood structures, is brilliantly reminiscent of the pet...
Hardwood
Zalszupin Petala Table Mid-century Modern Brazilian Vintage Coffee Table
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
The Petala center table, designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s, showcases a minimalistic and cleverly constructed aesthetic. Composed of eight hardwood "petals" arranged in an oct...
Rosewood
Sold
H 15 in W 35.4 in D 35.4 in
“Chancellor” Coffee Table with Marble Top by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The “Mesa de Centro Chanceler” designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. The circular marble top is supported by Brazilian Rosewood (Jac...
Marble, Steel
1959 Brazilian Modern “Romana” Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this “Romana” coffee table, designed by Jorge Zalsziupin in 1959, is nothing less than spectacular. The Romana coffee table is a s...
Travertine, Brass
Sold
H 17.13 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Molded Rosewood and Mable, Brazil, 1964
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in New York, NY
This fantastic side table was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and produced by his company L'Atelier in circa 1960. The table presents an iron structure with chromed feet and...
Marble
Sold
H 20.6 in W 20.24 in D 19.93 in
Pair of Rosewood Petalas Side Table Jorge Zalszupin Midcentury Brazil circa 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Petala is a coffee table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The piece is made of molded laminate wood with a petal shape. Much more than rationalizing design, Zalszupin focused mainly on acquiring and using new technologies and materials to make series production viable. The molded laminated rosewood allowed the designer to execute the longed-for curves without necessarily requiring lengthy and expensive manual processes. The Petalas tables...
Rosewood
Sold
H 11.82 in W 46.46 in D 46.46 in
Rare Rosewood "Petalas Pau Ferro" Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin for L'atelier
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A large and impressive ‘Petalas’ coffee table in very good condition designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Br...
Rosewood