Oscar Niemeyer signs an architecture instrument box, adding a small drawing of the National Congress of Brasília.
-
An architecture student's instrument box, with Oscar Niemeyer's autograph dedicated to a future architect or colleague, located on the bottom of the piece (surface normally rested on a table).
- Brand: Rosenhain.
- Closed box dimensions: 40 cm × 11 cm × 4.5 cm.
- 1960s to 1980s.
- Complete box, with signs of use, especially scratches on the bottom, where the signature and drawing are located.
- Unique piece.
The Rosenhain brand, founded in 1896 in São Paulo, was a national reference in the manufacturing and marketing of furniture and instruments for technical drawing, engineering, and topography. It became especially known for its robust, durable, and ergonomic drawing boards and stools, used by generations of architects and engineers until the 1980s. Its products, such as pantometers and clinometers, were synonymous with quality and innovation in Brazil, combining its own production with imports from Germany. With the advance of digital drawing and the modernization of the sector, the company ceased operations at the end of the 20th century. Today, Rosenhain is remembered as an icon of functional design and a landmark in the history of Brazilian architecture and technical furniture.
It is likely that Oscar Niemeyer signed this Rosenhain instrument box on a special occasion, perhaps during a visit to an architecture school, a meeting with students, or as a gesture of appreciation to a colleague or intern. The box shows signs of use, especially in the area where the signature is, which indicates that it was part of someone's daily life, at least for a while. Curiously, the instruments inside appear little handled, possibly because, after the signature, the owner decided to preserve it as a valuable keepsake. Could it have belonged to Niemeyer himself? It is unlikely, though possible. The most plausible scenario is that it belonged to a student, colleague, or young professional who deeply admired the architect. In any case, we have carefully authenticated the signature, which exhibits all the characteristics of genuine Oscar Niemeyer authentications.
The icing on the cake: the signature is accompanied by a quick sketch, typical of Niemeyer, representing the National Congress of Brasília, one of his most emblematic works.
As far as we know, there are no records of Niemeyer signing this type of medium, which makes this piece even rarer and more symbolic. A large, expressive, and direct autograph - just like his architectural style - accompanied by a striking drawing.
