In 1952 Industria Mueblera, a major Mexico City furniture company, produced the Continental America line by New York-based designer Edmond J. Spence. Taking his inspiration from both ancient American and Spanish Colonial art and furnishings, Spence used traditional Mexican materials and techniques and applied them to pared-down modernist forms. This chair, which combines molded mahogany plywood with handcrafted solid mahogany and woven palm, exemplifies the collection’s blend of modern and traditional elements.