• HIDDEN TREASURES: MÓVEIS PAILAR

  • THE COMPANY
    Brazilian Rosewood and Gonçalo Alves are renowned for their distinct visual characteristics and historical significance in Brazilian craftsmanship. Brazilian Rosewood...

    Brazilian Rosewood and Gonçalo Alves are renowned for their distinct visual characteristics and historical significance in Brazilian craftsmanship. Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is known for its deep reddish-brown hues with dramatic black streaks, creating a striking yet balanced aesthetic. Its rich tonal variations and natural luster made it a preferred material for fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative applications. Native to the Atlantic Forest, this wood was highly sought after, but overexploitation led to severe depletion, and it is now heavily regulated under CITES, making it rare and protected.
    Gonçalo Alves (Astronium fraxinifolium), often referred to as "Tigerwood," is distinguished by its golden to reddish-brown tones with bold, dark streaks that form an eye-catching tiger-stripe effect. Found across the Cerrado and Amazon biomes, it has historically been more abundant and widely used for flooring, veneers, and furniture. Unlike Brazilian Rosewood, Gonçalo Alves remains accessible and continues to be utilized in woodworking, though environmental concerns have highlighted the importance of sustainable sourcing.


    Both woods symbolize Brazil's rich natural heritage and the cultural significance of its forests. While Brazilian Rosewood evokes a more subdued and refined elegance, Gonçalo Alves delivers a dynamic and bold visual impact. Their historical prominence in Brazilian design and craftsmanship now intersects with contemporary efforts toward environmental preservation and resource management.

  • THE HIDDEN TREASURES PROJECT

  • For the past five years, the Bossa team has been immersed in the Hidden Treasures project—a meticulous exploration of the...

    For the past five years, the Bossa team has been immersed in the Hidden Treasures project—a meticulous exploration of the overlooked yet pivotal companies that shaped Brazilian design history, such as Móveis Pailar.

    Through extensive research of old magazines, company catalogs, and newspapers, we have unearthed narratives on the verge of being forgotten. These stories extend beyond the celebrated masters, shedding light on the creative ecosystems—the stores, makers, and local scenes—that played vital roles in Brazil’s modern design movement.

    The pioneers will always hold their rightful place in history, but Hidden Treasures shifts focus to the networks and ideas that sustained and amplified their success. It explores how creative hubs, cultural movements, and economic forces intersected to shape Brazil’s design landscape, reflecting a dynamic confluence of ambition, innovation, and historical context.

    Unlike the radical experimentation seen elsewhere, the late 1960s was marked by a pragmatic approach to design, when mid-century modern aesthetics became accessible to the upper-middle class. This era marked significant industrial growth, as companies invested in worker training, expanded operations, and established multiple locations—often bridging São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This industrialization brought modern design into everyday life, making it both functional and aspirational.

     

  • THE RESTORATION PROCESS

     

    "It is part of our job to prevent, delay, and repair the natural damages caused by time and use."

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  • Our work has gone beyond archival research to rescue and restore extraordinary pieces that, unlike the well-preserved icons, were often neglected and altered over time. Many of these works, once adorned with exquisite rosewood veneers, were painted white in the 1980s. Now, over 80 models have been meticulously restored and cataloged, and stand as testaments to the artistry and innovation of Brazil’s unsung design pioneers.


    After sixty years of use, even the most comfortable lounge chair in the room loses its comfort. There are natural transformations in the materials due to the passage of time, and to bring their full potential back, we count on a multidisciplinary team of greatly skilled researchers, artisans and craftsmen, working together to achieve the best results according to each project.


    Research and restoration are allies. Research supports us when addressing techniques and materials, while restoration tells us about the truth of the material. The undeniable marks of the passage of time are signs that help us identify the original pieces and – equally important – the fake ones, guaranteeing they are not part of our collection.


    The distinguished creations in mid-century Brazilian design have the potential to tell stories about who we are, transport us to the past, trace paths to the present, and allow us to glimpse into the future.


    Restoring a piece of furniture makes new experiences possible through its materiality, carrying the legacy of Brazilian design.