Pair of “Pétalas” Side Tables (c. 1959)
Jacarandá wood veneer
Dimensions: 51 × 47 × 47 cm
Country of origin: Brazil
Designed circa 1959, the “Pétalas” side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are among the most iconic and poetic expressions of Brazilian mid-century design. Named for their petal-like form, each table is constructed from folded planes of jacarandá wood veneer, carefully joined to create a faceted volume that is both sculptural and lightweight.
The design’s triangular geometry and seamless curves reflect Zalszupin’s architectural training and his fascination with origami-like construction. Visually striking from every angle, these tables offer a dynamic interplay of line, shadow, and material grain, while remaining utterly functional in their simplicity.
Elegant, innovative, and timeless, the Pétalas tables exemplify the sophistication of Brazilian modernism at its peak.
Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) was a Polish-born Brazilian architect and designer who played a pivotal role in shaping Brazil’s modern aesthetic. Through his studio L’Atelier, Zalszupin pioneered new methods of wood bending, veneering, and formal experimentation, elevating functional objects into refined works of art. The Pétalas tables remain one of his most celebrated contributions to global design history.
