Leandro Martins & cia - Michel Dufet (attr.) - Sideboard - Wood

Aparador Art Déco, Michel Dufet for Leandro Martins, 1930s – Brazil

Exceptional Art Deco sideboard, designed by Michel Dufet for the Leandro Martins house, circa 1930. The French Michel Dufet resided in Rio de Janeiro between 1922 and 1924, where he moved to direct the prestigious decoration firm Red Star.

Made in walnut wood, root wood or lupia, and two cylindrical metal legs. Structure with clean geometric shapes, symmetrical composition and balanced volumes, one could even speak of a sculptural character in the conception of the piece. The front features three doors, semi-hidden, which recalls functional design and the discreet integration of storage. The central door presents a marquetry scene depicting a maritime landscape with a sailing ship and a port structure. The marquetry technique in contrasting tones adds depth and visual richness. In the upper zone, a metallic addition creates the effect of a clear, illuminated sky and produces a striking contrast. The combination of wood and polished metal details is a feature of Art Deco especially cherished by the designer. The legs rest on a rectangular base of the same wood, providing cohesion and a solid architectural presence.

The use of lupia or root wood stands out. Although in many places this type of root wood is known as lupia or lobanillo, it has nothing to do with the tree’s root, but with the distortions that the tissue can suffer along the entire stem. These irregularities that appear in the wood have been of interest in cabinetmaking and have become a highly valued part for their undeniable value, as they are extremely dense and resistant woods. Moreover, the whimsical shapes drawn on its surface have led to great appreciation for this material, generating great interest within movements such as Art Deco, as they longed to have this peculiar wood endowed with a unique beauty.

Stamped “Leandro Martins & cia” on the rear area. The piece appears reproduced in VV.AA., “A casa Art Déco Carioca,” Espaço cultural Península, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2006-2007, pp. 36-37. (Image attached).

Michel Dufet (1888-1985)

Michel Dufet was a French architect, interior designer and theorist notable in design and decoration during the first half of the 20th century. His style was influenced by the Art Deco movement and modernism, creating designs that combine functionality and aesthetics. He designed furniture, commercial and residential spaces, as well as interiors of ships and trains, which influenced his furniture style. His pieces often had an aerodynamic character, with polished surfaces and details reminiscent of the aesthetics of grand ocean liners.

Although he promoted modernization of design, his approach still depended on high-quality craftsmanship. He did not seek mass production, but rather a balance between innovation and exclusivity.

His creations stand out for the use of luxurious, high-quality materials, geometric lines and harmonious integration between objects and interior architecture. His pieces usually combined precious woods with polished metals and ivory or lacquer details. He also experimented with opaque glass and modern materials for the era. He was artistic director of Établissements D.I.M. (Décoration Intérieure Moderne), where he promoted modern interior design.

In 1947 he married the daughter of the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle (Rhodia Dufet-Bourdelle) and, from 1950, devoted most of his time to preserving the legacy and works of his father-in-law. In 1972, Dufet became curator of the Musée Bourdelle, eventually retiring before his death in 1985. Precisely in this museum there is currently a collection dedicated to the designer’s works, “The Rodhia and Michel Dufet collection.” The Dufet Collection arrived at the Musée Bourdelle in 2002. It includes 34 pieces of furniture created by the interior designer Michel Dufet from 1910 to 1950, as well as a private collection. These reflect the essential role that Dufet played together with his wife Rhodia in defining the museum’s program and publications at Musée Bourdelles.

Leandro Martins (Rio de Janeiro, 1885)

Casa Leandro Martins Moveis SA, better known as Casa Leandro Martins, was a Brazilian furniture factory created by Leandro Augusto Martins, of Portuguese origin. It became the best furniture and tapestry manufacturer in Rio de Janeiro, with undeniable mastery, good taste and solidity. Its products were known for being elegant, comfortable, durable, with flawless finishes and an absolute guarantee for the buyer. The factory produced luxury furniture and tapestries until the 1960s. Today, it remains a leading antique dealer.

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