Portable eucalyptus chair, 'Relaxing Green Za-Zen'

15.8 " W x 15.0 " H x 15.8 " D

Weight: 1.73 kg

-Eucalyptus wood and canvas

Ships from NOVICA Office in Brazil



NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers.

Marcello and Felipe design an original chair using the principles of yoga and Zen meditation. Ideal for relaxation, it is easily transported over the shoulder or as a backpack. Crafted of fine eucalyptus wood and canvas, the chair is designed to be used anywhere and to aid posture.

Handmade by Marcello and Felipe

"People in Ipanema meet amid the surf and sand. Years ago, we were surfing buddies who shared another passion: yoga. Today, we are both instructors and we continue to enjoy the friendship we started in our adolescence – a friendship very important in our lives. In fact, one day we were sharing a drink of coconut water on the beach, thinking up ways to create a solid type of work. We wanted it to be done in a community and for it to combine our different backgrounds. Felipe De Brêtas is an administrator and I, Marcello Leite Barbosa, am a designer. Our premise was to help deprived communities.

"We investigated for a long period of time, until we finally thought up a product that originated in our personal interest, yoga, as well as something that was environmentally friendly – a relaxing Zen chair! So we started a project and created a non-governmental organization in a renowned favela of Rio de Janeiro.

"After deciding on the materials we opened a workshop, where there's an average of 15 young people who we train and assist. We teach them how to make the chairs as part of their professional training, and in this way we have helped them avoid being marginalized.

"Our project has been praised and has achieved recognition, especially by Rio de Janeiro's Universidade Católica and by Home Workers International Foundation, who partly sponsor our efforts.

"Another activity we offer is a type of eco-tourism we like to call 'yoga-trekking' around Rio de Janeiro's forests. We go for long walks, meditate and practice yoga, which seems to be attracting various segments of the Brazilian society."