Percival Lafer attrib. coffee table

This coffee table is attributed to the Brazilian designer Percival Lafer and was produced by Lafer MP in Brazil during the 1960s. The design reflects the principles of Brazilian modernism, a movement that combined modernist structural clarity with an emphasis on rich natural materials and expressive wood craftsmanship. During the post-war decades Brazil developed a distinctive modern design language, often characterized by robust wooden constructions, architectural forms, and carefully balanced proportions.

The table is constructed in solid hardwood with a deep reddish-brown tone and a dense, finely figured grain. The surface has been fully restored, revealing the natural variation of the wood with subtle darker streaks and tonal transitions across the tabletop and structural elements. The finish emphasizes the organic qualities of the material while maintaining a smooth and even surface. The color ranges from dark walnut brown to warmer reddish hues depending on the orientation of the grain and the direction of light.

The tabletop consists of two separate rectangular panels placed side by side, creating a narrow linear opening between them. This split construction introduces a visual rhythm across the surface and reduces the perceived mass of the table. Each panel rests slightly elevated on discreet supports integrated into the frame beneath, giving the top a floating appearance. The edges of the panels are softly rounded and carefully finished, contributing to the tactile quality of the design.

The base is composed of four wide legs set at a subtle outward angle, creating a stable and grounded stance. The legs are connected by horizontal stretchers positioned low to the floor, forming a rectangular frame that reinforces the structure while visually anchoring the table. A central stretcher element runs between the long sides of the frame, strengthening the construction and introducing a symmetrical architectural line beneath the tabletop. The geometry of the base emphasizes solidity and structural clarity while maintaining a low and balanced profile.

Percival Lafer was one of the leading figures in Brazilian furniture design during the mid-twentieth century. Through his company Lafer MP, founded in the 1960s, he developed a wide range of furniture pieces that combined modernist forms with Brazilian materials and manufacturing techniques. His work often explored the expressive qualities of wood and leather, producing furniture that was both structurally robust and visually warm. Lafer’s designs became widely distributed internationally and remain an important part of Brazilian modern design history.

The table measures 135 cm in length, 84.5 cm in width, and 52 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 53.1 inches in length, 33.3 inches in width, and 20.5 inches in height. It remains in very good restored condition with small signs of age and use consistent with its vintage origin, while the restored finish preserves the depth and character of the hardwood surface.