Description
A rare and thoroughly documented pair of Percival Lafer MP-116 modular lounge chairs, produced in Brazil in the early 1970s and presented in their original tan leather upholstery with solid Brazilian Jatobá wood frames. The chairs come directly from the original owner and are accompanied by an exceptional provenance set, including the 1973 Brazil Contempo sales receipt, a period catalog from the same retailer, unused original Lafer hardware packets, and a surviving factory label on the underside of one chair. These archival materials firmly link the pair to their date of purchase and represent a level of documentation seldom encountered with early Lafer seating.
The MP-116 series is one of Lafer’s most sculptural and expressive designs. Each chair is composed of four individually upholstered cushion-blocks arranged in a clean 2×2 configuration that produces a low, architectural profile balanced by generous comfort. The cushion-block construction gives the chairs a distinctive visual rhythm, while the original tan leather displays the deep patina, creasing, and color variation characteristic of five decades of natural aging. One chair includes a small puncture in the leather, and both pieces exhibit areas where the upholstery has become fragile. Although they remain comfortable and structurally sound, reupholstery is recommended for long-term use.
The frames and side stretchers are crafted from solid Brazilian Jatobá, a dense hardwood favored by Lafer for its strength, stability, and warm, reddish-brown tone. The Jatobá elements on these chairs remain in excellent original condition, retaining their clarity of grain and the elegant turning details associated with Lafer’s engineering-focused approach to furniture design. The wood plugs and collar elements are consistent with the original construction, and an unopened packet of new-old-stock Jatobá button-plug dowels is included with the pair.
The new owner will receive a photocopy of the original 1973 sales receipt from Brazil Contempo, as well as a photocopy of the period catalog showing the same product line. These materials, together with the original label on one chair and the unused factory hardware, provide a rare and unusually complete provenance record for this model. Pairs of MP-116 lounge chairs rarely appear on the market, and examples supported by such substantial documentation are especially desirable to collectors of Brazilian modernism.
The leather is original and heavily worn, with softening, discoloration, and areas of fragility. One chair has a couple of small holes. The internal structure is stable, and the chairs remain comfortable. The wood elements are in excellent original condition. One chair retains its original Percival Lafer label. A photocopy of the original sales receipt, a photocopy of the period catalog, and one sealed packet of original Lafer wooden dowel plugs will be included with the sale.
Each module 27″ Wide x 41.5″ Deep x 28″ High (14″ Seat Height)
**Place each of the modules side by side to create a sofa**
Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. leather is original and heavily worn, with softening, discoloration, and areas of fragility. One chair has a couple of small holes. The internal structure is stable, and the chairs remain comfortable. The wood elements are in excellent original condition.
