Drawing inspiration from José Zanine Caldas, this planter stand showcases a distinctive design where irregularity and regularity come together in perfect harmony. The metal rod, resembling a singular brushstroke, is paired with a linoleum top and curved glass to achieve an exquisite balance. In a tribute to Caldas’s early works, laminated plywood is incorporated, and the metal rod undergoes meticulous welding and finishing to seamlessly fuse curved and straight sections. This distinguished form is the outcome of overcoming technical challenges and representing a fresh aesthetic that intertwines the craftsmanship of EDITORA with the enduring legacy of Caldas.
- Size
W.520 × D.470 × H.500
- Material
TOP: GLASS & WB PLATED STEEL or BRONZE CAST
UNDER: LINOLEUM PLYWOOD
BASE: WB PLATED STEEL or BRONZE PLATED STEEL
José Zanine Caldas, a self-taught architect and designer, is renowned for embracing the allure of natural materials and transforming wood into sculptural furniture. In 1964, amidst political upheavals in his native Brazil, he found refuge in the lush surroundings of Nova Viçosa after leaving his university position. Confronted with the harsh reality of deforestation, he drew inspiration from local artisans crafting boats and furniture from fallen trees. This gave birth to the “Móveis Denúncia (Protest Furniture)” series, a profound tribute to the environment and a quiet yet powerful statement against deforestation.
Caldas had opened an architectural model workshop in Rio de Janeiro at a young age and, founded “Móveis Artisticos Z” alongside modernist maestros in 1949. Initiating the production of functional and beautiful plywood furniture, characterized by graceful curves, his unique designs blending form and function became beloved in middle-class households.
Caldas’s designs were born from intuition and an emotional connection to nature. In 1989, his achievements were showcased in a major exhibition at the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris, and in 1991, he received the honorary title of architect from the Brazilian Architects Association, despite lacking formal technical training. Caldas’s innate talent and problem-solving approach earned him global acclaim in the design scene.
Caldas’s philosophy, rooted in the pursuit of a harmonious existence between nature and humanity, has become a benchmark in today’s design landscape. His works, consistent in their enduring aesthetics, range from the era of “Móveis Artisticos Z,” which pursued functionality, to “Móveis Denúncia,” giving shape to the cry of the forest. Zanine Caldas’s lifetime, marked by a profound understanding of art, society, and the environment, embodies the aspiration towards a sustainable world beyond mere furniture and architecture. EDITORA’s furniture, expressing deep respect for natural materials, uniqueness, and reverence for craftsmanship, is deeply inspired by Caldas’s spirit.