Showrooms

Angel Pazmiño "Butterfly" Folding Chair, Tooled Leather and Mahogany, 1960's

Creator: Angel Pazmino
Offered by: Habitat-Gallery

Description
Let’s get one thing straight—Angel Pazmiño deserves way more hype in the mid-century design world. This Ecuadorian design genius created furniture that’s not only structurally brilliant but also aesthetically jaw-dropping. And this chair? It’s proof that form and function can absolutely be best friends.

Meet the Butterfly Chair, a rare folding beauty that effortlessly blends master craftsmanship with sculptural elegance. Designed in the 1960s, this chair was way ahead of its time, showcasing Pazmiño’s philosophy that furniture should be both practical and a work of art.

With a solid mahogany frame—rich, warm, and expertly carved. The scissor-style legs are pure architectural genius, with the front legs splaying outward and the back legs curving inward—a choice that’s as functional as it is sculptural. The original patinated brass hinge at the leg joint? Beautiful.

The stretcher's design—here’s where it gets really good. Connecting the back legs to the underside of the seat, this carved mahogany brace is so refined it could make any fine Danish craftsman sweat. Shaped like a Roman numeral II (or a TT + upside-down TT combo), the top bracket gradually slims down to the bottom, creating a rhythmic, geometric masterpiece. This isn't just a structural support—it’s sculpture in motion.

The seat and backrest—because Pazmiño never skimped on the details. The woven leather seat is rich and patinated, showing off his signature South American craftsmanship. But the real showstopper is the hand-tooled leather backrest, featuring an intricate indigenous-inspired design—a regal figure clad in a headdress of animals, gripping staffs adorned with animal heads, all framed by a classic Greek key motif. It’s history, symbolism, and artistry, all in one gorgeous seat.

Oh, and did we mention it folds? Because it does. The Butterfly Chair was designed to be easily stored without sacrificing an ounce of style, making it a rare blend of portability and prestige.

Angel Pazmiño was a mid-century Ecuadorian designer who brought global attention to South American craftsmanship. His work was heavily influenced by traditional Ecuadorian leather tooling and indigenous iconography, yet his structural designs had a distinctly modernist, almost Scandinavian edge. His pieces—often crafted from solid mahogany and hand-tooled leather—were produced for export, making them rare but highly sought after by collectors.

Pazmiño was inspired by the likes of Arturo Pani (Mexico, 1915-1981) – The "Decorator to the Elite" of mid-century Mexico, Arturo Pani was known for his luxurious, high-glam designs. While European modernists were all about clean lines and minimalism, Pani said, "More is more"—layering metals, glass, and plush textiles to create furniture that felt opulent yet contemporary. His influence is still seen in high-end interiors today.

Pazmiño was also inspired by Sergio Rodrigues (Brazil, 1927-2014) – The father of Brazilian modernism, Rodrigues took the sleek functionality of mid-century design and infused it with warmth and organic materials. His most famous work, the "Mole Chair," is an icon—think low-slung, effortlessly cool, and ridiculously comfortable. His use of rich Brazilian hardwoods and sumptuous leathers made his pieces both sculptural and inviting.

This Angel Pazmiño Butterfly Chair isn’t just furniture—it’s a statement, a collectible, and a piece of design history. Whether styled in a mid-century modern, rustic, or bohemian space, it brings instant warmth, character, and craftsmanship to any setting.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Hand tooled leather, Wood, mahogany
Condition:	Good. Minimal wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1960's
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Brazilian Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	782844