Have it delivered hassle-freeBuyer protectionAll Designer items curated by WhoppahDownload the Whoppah App – get alerts & sell with ease.
Art Deco sideboard, Michel Dufet for Leandro Martins, 30's – Brazil
€9,460Bid from €8,600
Buy with confidence
Shop & pay safely with our Buyer ProtectionDesigner items curated by WhoppahWe only pay the seller once you have safely received the itemTrusted payment methods
About this seller
Product description
Exceptional Art Deco sideboard, designed by Michel Dufet for the Leandro Martins house, circa 1930. The Frenchman Michel Dufet lived in Rio de Janeiro between 1922 and 1924, where he moved to run the prestigious interior design firm Red Star. Made of walnut, burl or lupia wood, and two cylindrical metal legs. The structure features clean geometric shapes, a symmetrical composition, and balanced volumes, one might even speak of a sculptural character in the piece's conception. The front features three semi-concealed doors, which recall the functional design and discreet integration of storage. The central one features a marquetry scene depicting a maritime landscape with a sailboat and a port structure. The marquetry technique in contrasting tones adds depth and visual richness. In the upper area, a metallic addition creates the effect of a clear, illuminated sky and creates a striking contrast. The combination of wood and polished metal details is a characteristic of Art Deco particularly dear to the designer. The legs rest on a rectangular base of the same wood, providing cohesion and a solid architectural presence. The use of lupia or root wood is particularly noteworthy. Although in many places this type of root wood is known as lupia or lobanillo, it has nothing to do with the root of the tree, but rather with the deformations that the tissue can suffer along the entire stem. These irregularities that appear in the wood have been of interest in cabinetmaking and have become a highly sought-after part due to their undoubted value, as they are extremely dense and resistant woods. Furthermore, the whimsical shapes drawn on their surfaces have given rise to a great appreciation for this material, sparking great interest within movements such as Art Deco, as they yearned to have this peculiar wood endowed with a unique beauty. "Leandro Martins & Cia" stamped on the back. The piece appears reproduced in VV.AA., “A casa Art Déco Carioca,” Espaço cultural Península, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2006-2007, pp. 36-37. (Image attached). **Michel Dufet (1888-1985)** Michel Dufet was a French architect, interior designer, and theorist, prominent in the fields of design and decoration during the first half of the 20th century. His style was influenced by the Art Deco movement and modernism, creating designs that combine functionality and aesthetics. He designed furniture, commercial and residential spaces, as well as ship and train interiors, which influenced his furniture style. His pieces often had a streamlined character, with polished surfaces and details reminiscent of the aesthetics of large ocean liners. Although he promoted the modernization of design, his approach still depended on high-quality craftsmanship. He did not strive for mass production, but rather a balance between innovation and exclusivity. His creations are notable for their use of luxurious, high-quality materials, geometric lines, and a harmonious integration of objects and interior architecture. His pieces often combined precious woods with polished metals and ivory or lacquer details. He also experimented with opaque glass and materials that were modern for the time. He was artistic director of the company Établissements DIM (Modern Interior Decoration), where he promoted modern interior design. In 1947, he married the daughter of French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle (Rhodia Dufet-Bourdelle), and from 1950 onward, he devoted most of his time to preserving his father-in-law's legacy and works. In 1972, Dufet became curator of the Bourdelle Museum, finally retiring before his death in 1985. This museum currently houses a collection dedicated to the designer's works, "The Rodhia and Michel Dufet Collection." The Dufet Collection arrived at the Musée Bourdelle in 2002. It includes 34 pieces of furniture created by interior designer Michel Dufet from 1910 to 1950, as well as a private collection. These reflect the essential role Dufet played alongside his wife Rhodia in defining the Musée Bourdelle's program and publications. **Leandro Martins (Rio de Janeiro, 1885)** Casa Leandro Martins Moveis SA, better known as Casa Leandro Martins, was a Brazilian furniture factory founded by Leandro Augusto Martins, a Portuguese-born designer. It became the finest furniture and tapestry manufacturer in Rio de Janeiro, displaying undeniable mastery, good taste, and solidity. Its products were known for being elegant, comfortable, durable, with perfect finishes and an absolute guarantee for the buyer. The factory produced luxury furniture and tapestries until the 1960s. Today, it is a leading antique dealer. Shipping costs will be paid by the buyer according to the product's dimensions, weight, and destination. We will contact you to arrange the delivery and agree on a quote. Shipping costs include custom-made professional packaging and personalized shipping, with a tracking number and warranty. **Due to the size of the piece, we prefer to coordinate shipping with the buyer.** The buyer will be responsible for paying import duties and associated taxes in the destination country, if applicable. Please note the seller's disclaimer regarding possible customs charges, as these are levied in the destination country and the amount payable is determined by that country's customs office. If an export permit is required, the costs are borne by the buyer. The cost depends progressively on the value of the artwork to be exported.
Good condition according to its age and use
Good condition according to its age and use
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsTaupe, Beige, BrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height110 cmWidth140 cmDepth51 cm
Discover more
Seller information
About this seller
Valladolid, SpainOn Whoppah since October 2024 • 1 sale