Oscar Niemeyer signs a box of architectural instruments, adding a small drawing of the National Congress in Brasília.

• Instrument box of an architecture student, autographed by Oscar Niemeyer and dedicated to a future architect or colleague, located on the lower part of the piece (surface normally resting on the table).
• Brand: Rosenhain.
• Dimensions of the closed box: 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.
• Unique piece.

The Rosenhain brand, founded in 1896 in São Paulo, was a national reference in the manufacture and sale of furniture and instruments for technical drawing, engineering and topography. It became known especially for its robust, durable and ergonomic drawing boards and benches, 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 advancement 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 milestone in the history of Brazilian architecture and technical furniture.

It is likely that Oscar Niemeyer signed this Rosenhain instrument case 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 case shows signs of use, especially in the area where the signature is located, indicating that it was part of someone’s daily life, at least for a time. Interestingly, the instruments inside appear to have been little used, possibly because, after signing, the owner decided to preserve it as a valuable memento. Could it have belonged to Niemeyer himself? It is unlikely, although possible. The most plausible is that it was signed by a student, colleague, or young professional who deeply admired the architect. In any case, we have carefully authenticated the signature, which displays all the characteristics of genuine Oscar Niemeyer authentications.

The cherry on the cake: the signature is accompanied by a quick sketch, typical of Niemeyer, representing the National Congress in Brasília, one of his most emblematic works.

As far as we know, there are no records of Niemeyer signing this type of support, which makes this piece even more rare and symbolic. A large, expressive and direct autograph - just like his architectural style - accompanied by a striking design.