Wall Unit in Hardwood, by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern

The bookcase has a clean, geometric structure, which is a signature of modernist design. The simplicity of the lines and the absence of any ornate detailing point to a design that values function alongside form.
Tenreiro was known for his use of Brazilian woods, and this wall unit made from a richly toned local wood, which adds warmth and character to the design.

Despite its solid construction, the bookcase has a visual lightness. This is achieved through the slender proportions of the wooden elements and the spacing between them.

The varying sizes of the compartments suggest a consideration for different functional needs, accommodating a variety of objects, not just books.
The construction details visible in the joints and finish indicate a high level of craftsmanship, which Tenreiro’s furniture is known for.

Joaquim Tenreiro’s work played a crucial role in the development of Brazilian furniture design, moving away from heavy, ornate Portuguese colonial styles towards the lighter, cleaner lines that would define Brazilian modernism. This bookcase would be considered a collector’s piece, representative of a key moment in the history of design where form and function met within the context of Brazilian aesthetics and materials.