José Zanine Caldas

JOSÉ ZANINE CALDAS (Belmonte, Bahia, 1919–Vitória, Espírito Santo, 2001), also known as Zanini.
Table, 2008.
Recycled ipe wood and glass.
Branded “Zanini” with a branding iron.
The wood shows some wear and tear.
Measurements: 30 x 148.5 x 69 cm (frame).

The table designed by José Zanine Caldas for Zanini is a magnificent example of the philosophy that defined the Brazilian designer’s entire body of work: respect for the material, structural integrity, and the highlighting of wood’s natural qualities. Crafted from recycled ipe wood—one of Brazil’s most durable and valuable species—the piece stands out for its striking sculptural presence, with a structure of solid planes and bold geometries that highlight the beauty of the grain and the material’s inherent imperfections. The glass top, which appears to be suspended above the wooden base, creates an appealing hallmark of contrast between lightness and solidity, allowing the richness of the structure to be fully appreciated. True to Zanine Caldas’s philosophy, this table transcends its utilitarian function to become a true functional sculpture, where design, craftsmanship, and sustainability converge in a work of great expressive power.

José Zanine Caldas was a self-taught architect, designer, sculptor, and landscape architect, known as the “Master of Wood.” His work, admired by architects such as Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa, represents a unique synthesis of traditional Brazilian craftsmanship and modern techniques. His works are represented in major international collections, including the Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.