José Zanine Caldas’ early years were marked by his deep-rooted affinity for woodworking and craftsmanship. Despite the absence of formal design education, he possessed an innate talent that propelled him to the forefront of the mid-century design movement in Brazil. Caldas’ designs are distinguished by their simplicity, functionality, and a deep respect for natural materials. In the 1940s, he established a workshop where he crafted furniture pieces that seamlessly blended organic forms with modernist principles, often utilizing reclaimed and sustainable woods. His work was profoundly influenced by his profound connection to nature and his unwavering belief in the symbiotic relationship between architecture, design, and the environment.