I like to think of Oscar Niemeyer’s iconic Rio Chaise Longue (note the original French spelling, which translates as “Long Chair”) as the nexus of classic Modern Corbusier and Brazilian sensuality. Designed in collaboration with daughter Anna Maria in 1978, the piece evokes the curvaceous geography of the country while simultaneously suggesting the very same curvaceous geography of many of said country’s inhabitants.

The Rio Chaise Synthesizes Classic Materials, Artisanal Craft, and Visionary Form

The Rio Chaise features laminated wood—artfully curved, carefully compressed, and languorously lacquered in a deep black finish. The venerated craft of timeless Brazilian artisan wicker work balances out the curves with some alluring geometry all its own.

Oscar Niemeyers’ Rio Chaise Longue is available for the first time at the London Espasso showroom, 19 Greek Street. For specifying info., contact Espasso U.K.: 44 (0) 207 734 5594.

About the Distributor: Espasso is the world’s premier purveyor of Brazil’s finer things. With showrooms in Tribeca, L.A., and London, the gallery/distributor is ground zero for modern and contemporary Brazilian furniture, “committed to conserving Brazil’s rich 20th Century design heritage and promoting the work of today’s leading designers.” Recent wares include the Parati Armchair and Ottoman by Carlos Motta and the Mole Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues: “As a premier resource for mid-century and contemporary design, ESPASSO has since the outset become a thriving outpost for interior designers, architects, artists, collectors and museums.”