L’Atelier Rosewood Credenza by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s

Zalszupin’s work as a designer, entrepreneur, and manager is an example of a transition process from the artisanal production mode, with unique and custom pieces, to serial industrial production. This credenza is part of a series with several options of elements presented as “modulated units.” The clients could choose how to assemble it to create the final furniture piece according to their taste: the number of drawers, doors, and shelves, or opt for specific compartments, such as units for radio speakers.

The credenza is entirely covered with rectangular pieces of marquetry wood, a creative resource developed by Zalszupin. The technique consists of gluing several pieces of rosewood veneers of different textures and shades on a furniture surface, forming a beautiful wood patchwork. This feature allows large surfaces to be coated with a better unit, making it easier to combine different furniture.