Credenza in Hardwood and Brass, Ernesto Hauner for Mobilinea, c. 1960s

This spectacular mid-century modern credenza is made with the finest Caviuna wood, and it is composed of two identical modules that are attached, creating one large single piece. The credenza has 4 doors, 4 drawers and 4 shelves. Each door has two Caviuna wood veneer panels, one darker than the other, that create a beautiful pattern. Each identical module has 4 cylindrical legs, for a total of 8 for the whole piece. This credenza was purchased at a state sale in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Besides, the marks of age the credenza is in excellent condition. This piece was designed by an unknown designer, however, it is yet another example of the excellent craftsmanship of the Brazilian furniture design of the 1960s.

About the designer:

Ernesto Hauner was an Italian immigrant who came to Brazil in 1949 and began working in furniture design with renowned figures such as Lina Bo Bardi, Sérgio Rodrigues, Martin Eisler, and his brother Carlo Hauner. He started his career at Studio Palma, which later became Móveis Artesanal, and eventually became a partner at Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte.

In 1958, Hauner established his own business with a small factory in São Paulo, where he created modular bookshelves using solid wood. Hauner’s designs incorporated new materials that had begun to be produced by the Brazilian industry, allowing him to develop complete furniture lines for both homes and office spaces, adapting to mass production.