Hugo França

Overall very good original condition. The pequi wood used to execute this work retains much of the original qualities of the natural wood throughout, including minor age cracks, natural fissures and discolorations that are inherent qualities in the wood and not issues of later condition. The low table displays superb scale when viewed in person and a deeply sculptural presence. The wood surfaces with some light surface scratches, nicks and dings, and with some minor rubbing to the finish consistent with age and gentle handling. With surface dirt to the recessed portions of the design. The inset glass top has been hand-shaped by the designer for this table. Over time and due to changes in the humidity, there have been minor expansion and contraction of the wooden frame. As a result, the glass is no longer removable from the wooden frame and certain gaps between the glass top and the immediate wooden edge have developed. Please note this piece is of considerable weight. Please contact the department or post sale services for assistance in the transport of this work.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Hugo França's designs instill in the viewer not only the power and presence of the pequi tree, but the culture of the South Bahia region from which it originated.  Motivated by what he calls “minimum intervention,” França’s furniture harnesses the inherent beauty of the colossal salvaged trees from the rainforest in eastern Brazil by translating them into superbly sculpted forms.  Sketching with chalk on the tree to begin, França is able to retain the unique characteristics of the each reclaimed tree.

França followed his passion to design furniture and recognized the importance of woodworking amongst the local Pataxo Indian culture.  França observed and spent over a decade in the study of these local craftsmen, and his hand-carved works are imbued with wood and the traditions of Bahia.

Works by Hugo França can be found in a number of public and private collections worldwide, including the Museu da Casa Brasileira in São Paolo and the Inhotim Instituto Cultural in Brumadinho, Brazil where over 100 pieces are installed in the gardens.