Bossa Furniture
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • artworks
  • artists
  • shop
  • fabric collection
  • nova
  • exhibitions
  • magazine
  • about us
  • contact
Cart
0 items $
Checkout

Item added to cart

View cart & checkout
Continue shopping
Menu

  • blog
  • Hidden Treasures: Móveis Pailar
  • Hidden Treasures: Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
  • Hidden Treasures: Casulo
  • Hidden Treasures: Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores
  • Hidden Treasures: Cantù Móveis
  • Hidden Treasures: Celina Decorações
  • Hidden Treasures: Móveis Cimo
  • Lina Bo Bardi, architecture and design
  • Jorge Zalszupin: a master of Brazilian Modern design
  • Monday Inspiration | Brazilian Design
  • Sitio Burle Marx
  • Loop Chair - Willy Guhl
  • Biographical Notes: Martin Eisler
  • Geraldo de Barros
  • Forma S.A.
  • Biographical Notes: Carlo Hauner
  • Amauri, the restoration master
  • Móveis Artesanal
  • Paulo, the upholsterer
  • Mocho, the simplicity and elegance of Sergio Rodrigues stool
  • Ataíde, the Straw Craftsman
  • HIDDEN TREASURES: CANTÙ MÓVEIS

  • THE COMPANY
    Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda., a notable player in Brazilian modern design during the 1960s, was led by architects Jorge...

    Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda., a notable player in Brazilian modern design during the 1960s, was led by architects Jorge Jabour Mauad and Osires Cunha Meale. Their designs masterfully blended rosewood with marble, leather, and exclusive national fabrics, positioning Cantù as an industrial furniture producer that moved beyond artisanal methods while still offering customizable, modular pieces for homes and offices.


    With stores in Copacabana and Niterói, the company also provided interior design services to help clients create modern, functional spaces. For years, Cantù’s pieces have been mistakenly attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, which represents a testament to their exceptional quality in material selection and craftsmanship. Despite modest machinery and low media presence compared to contemporaries like Celina Decorações, Cantù made a significant mark on Brazilian design, standing alongside figures like Sergio Rodrigues and companies such as L’atelier and M.L. Magalhães.

     
    • 210522 Bossa Ph Ana Pigosso 130 Web 2
    • Historical File Cantu Moveis Preset 3
    • Design Sem Nome 7
    • Cantu Moveis Catalog 2
    • Bo Can 010 001 Photos Unrestored 4 1
    • 220210 Bossa Ph Ana Pigosso 57 Web 2
  • 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 Cantù Móveis.

     

    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."

  • (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
    (Larger version of this image opens in a popup).
  • 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.

    • Bo Can 001 002 Photos 1
    • 201219 Bossa Ph Ana Pigosso 109 Web
    • Historical File Cantu Moveis Preset 4
    • Bo Can 011 002 Unrestored 1 1
    • Bo Can 011 001 Bo Can 011 002 Photo 3
    • Historical File Cantu Moveis Preset 5
    • 211112 Bossa Ph Ana Pigosso 145 Web
    • 220210 Bossa Ph Ana Pigosso 48 Web 2
    • Bo Can 004 003 Photos 1 1
    • Bo Can 004 002 Ana Pigosso 01 12 23 1 1
    • Cantu Moveis Catalog Armchair
  • OUR COLLECTION
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Cantù Sofa, 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Cantù Sofa, 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Chair with Armrests (2 units - pair), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Chair with Armrests (2 units - pair), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Rosewood and Leather Armchair (2 units- pair), 1960
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Rosewood and Leather Armchair (2 units- pair), 1960
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Slatted Bench, 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Slatted Bench, 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Tea Cart, 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Tea Cart, 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Rosewood Stool (2 pieces), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Rosewood Stool (2 pieces), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Rosewood Stool (2 pieces), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Rosewood Stool (2 pieces), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Slatted Bench, 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Slatted Bench, 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Chair with armrests (pair), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Chair with armrests (pair), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Rosewood side table, 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Rosewood side table, 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Chair with armrests (2 units - pair), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Chair with armrests (2 units - pair), 1960s
    • Móveis Cantù Armchair (Pair), 1960s
      Móveis Cantù
      Armchair (Pair), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Rosewood and Leather Armchair (2 units- pair), 1960
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Rosewood and Leather Armchair (2 units- pair), 1960
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Office Chair (1 unit), 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Office Chair (1 unit), 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Chair with Armrests , 1960s
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Chair with Armrests , 1960s
    • Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. Cantù Armchair (2 units), c. 1960
      Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda.
      Cantù Armchair (2 units), c. 1960

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Sign Up

* denotes required fields

We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.

Artists
Mid century
Contemporary
Exhibitions

Blog

Contacts

About us

Careers


NEW YORK GALLERY 

210 11th Avenue, Suite 403

Chelsea, New York

USA.10001

(646) 901-6808

shop@bossafurniture.com

 

HOURS AND VISITS:

Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday 12 am to 3 pm

Summer: Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

BOSSA ANNEX

555 West 25th St, 3rd Floor New York

USA.10001

 

Only by appointment

SÃO PAULO WORKSHOP AND

LOGISTICS CENTER 

R. Conde de São Joaquim

Bela Vista, São Paulo

01320-010
+55 11 94533-6975

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Artsy, opens in a new tab.
1stdibs, opens in a new tab.
Manage cookies
Terms & Conditions
Copyright © BOSSA FURNITURE
Site by Artlogic

This website uses cookies
This site uses cookies to help make it more useful to you. Please contact us to find out more about our Cookie Policy.

Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences