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Branco & Preto Furniture

Brazilian

Six young architects joined forces in the 1950s to create Branco & Preto in São Paulo. Together, they created high-end modern furniture inspired by the spirited reinvigoration of art and architecture in Brazil.

The six founders — Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Millan and Chen Y Hwa — all attended Mackenzie Architecture University, a school led by architect and modernist critic Cristiano Stockler das Neves who prioritized neoclassicism. As progressive students, the founders rebelled against this status quo in their work.

During the 1950s, there were few designers of modern furniture based in Brazil aside from Brazilian furniture firm Mòveis Artisticos Z and Portuguese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro. Branco & Preto helped fill a wide gap in the market.

Brazilian modernist pioneers Rino Levi and Gregori Warchavchik were important early connections. Through them, Ruchti and Forte met American architect Philip Johnson and German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; meanwhile, Croce, Alfalo and Millan drew inspiration from the works of Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra and Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer.

As a proponent of “Rio modernism,” Branco & Preto often combined glass, iron and calacatta marble with Brazilian woods like jacaranda and caviuna to make its handcrafted furnishings. Free from plywood and screws, this furniture required the expertise of skilled woodworkers, especially for the MF5 armchair and slatted coffee table. Both designed by Millan, they are among Branco & Preto’s most recognized works.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Branco & Preto tables, seating and case pieces and storage cabinets.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Creator: Branco & Preto
Branco & Preto Buffet Bar Unit, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
Stunning midcentury bar buffet unit by Branco & Preto, in solid and veneered Caviúna. The wood is beautiful in colour and pattern. The details are perfect...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Hardwood

"Two Colors" Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury, circa 1950
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The "Two Colors" coffee table was designed in circa 1950 and produced by Branco & Preto, an architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. Branco & Preto was one ...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Center Table by Estúdio Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s Center table structured in solid wood, with a nested glass top. A classic design by Estúdio Branco & Preto,...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Branco & Preto. Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Imbúia Wood
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Stylish slatted vintage bench from the early 1960's of Brazilian production, specifically Branco & Preto Gallery. In solid imbúia wood, it is a very versa...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of 8 Rosewood Cane Chairs, Branco & Preto, 1952, Brazilian Midcentury
By Branco & Preto, Luiz Pássaro
Located in New York, NY
The Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti and produced by Branco & Preto, an architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. Branco & Preto was one of Brazi...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Brazilian Company Branco & Preto, Midcentury, 1953
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The MF5 Armchair was designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte and produced by Branco & Preto, an architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. Branco & Preto was one of Brazil's forerunners of interior architecture and modern furniture. The iconic armchair has a structure in solid Rosewood with a natural plaited cane in the backrest and a loose cushion. The cushions used...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Silk, Cane

Pair of M1 Armchairs by Brazilian Company Branco & Preto, Midcentury, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The M1 armchair was designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and produced by Branco & Preto, an architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. Branco & Preto was one of Br...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Fabric

Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
The Lounge armchairs model “R3", were designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for the Brazilian collective Branco & Preto, and manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia in Brazil. Frame in Peroba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Dining Table by Branco & Preto, Brazil, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
Branco & Preto Designed and manufactured in the 1950s by Branco & Preto This stunning solid wood dining table by Branco & Preto was part of the personal collection of Miguel Forte, o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Rectangular Branco and Preto Wooden Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables are mad...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

A Pair of Rectangular Branco and Preto Side Tables in Caviuna Wood, Brazil 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables are made of a combination of solid and veneer caviuna wood with a beautiful grain. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black play that is also visible on this pair. These tables feature glass tops that are effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame adding modernism to the design. Underneath the glass tops are wooden shelves, which have a somewhat floating appearance thanks to the extending shelves that align with the tops. In combination with the recessed legs, these tables have a simple, refined look. The strong lines and proportions are light and simple at the same time, which is a returning characteristic of the work of the Brazilian design duo, Branco and Preto. ⁣Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wooden veneer has some cracks / marks on one of the bottom plates. Dimensions: 25.99 in W x 39.38 in D x 21.07 in H 66 cm W x 100 cm D x 53.3 cm H Literature: Branco e...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Chairs by Branco & Preto 'Attr.', Brazil, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare pair of mid-century Brazilian armchairs is attributed to the design collective Branco and Preto. Made in a rational and geometric way, they present lightness and simplicity...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco & Preto Brazilian Mid-Century Modern side table with glass top set in Caviuna wood frame. 21.5" H x 25.5" W x 25.5" D. Listing is for single table. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black. Table features glass top effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame. Gorgeous sculptural rectangular recessed legs. The strong lines and masterful proportions, sculptural yet unassuming - effortlessly stylish. Made by Luiz Pássaro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Rectangular Branco and Preto Wooden Coffee Table, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in a rational and geometric way, this pair of handmade Branco and Preto side tables have an open and elegant appearance. Both tables...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Branco e Preto Jacaranda Bookcase Pair with Drawers, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1950s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco and Preto Jacaranda Bookcase with inset drawers, Brazilian Modern, 1960s. Brazilian mid-century modern bookcase in lacquered jacaranda wood and produced by furniture manufacturer Branco and Preto, with double cabinet doors and two inset raised drawers. Designed in a rational and geometric way, Branco and Preto designs have an open, elegant and preternaturally fresh appearance. Labelled. 92" H x 40" W x 13.75" D. About Branco e Preto...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Branco E Preto Jacaranda Bookcase Cabinet, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1950s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco and Preto Jacaranda bookcase with cabinet, Brazilian Modern, 1960s. Brazilian mid-century modern bookcase in lacquered jacaranda wood and produced by furniture manufacturer Branco and Preto, with double cabinet doors and two inset raised drawers. Designed in a rational and geometric way, Branco and Preto designs have an open, elegant and preternaturally fresh appearance. 92" H x 40" W x 13.75" D. Labelled under bottom cabinet as made by Luiz Pássaro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Branco e Preto Jacaranda Bookcase with Drawers, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1950s
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco and Preto Jacaranda Bookcase with inset drawers, Brazilian Modern, 1960s. Brazilian mid-century modern bookcase in lacquered jacaranda wood and produced by furniture manufacturer Branco and Preto, with double cabinet doors and two inset raised drawers. Designed in a rational and geometric way, Branco and Preto designs have an open, elegant and preternaturally fresh appearance. 92" H x 40" W x 13.75" D. Made by Luiz Pássaro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda, Mahogany

Low table by Branco & Preto
By Branco & Preto
Located in Milan, IT
Low table by Branco & Preto. Brazil, 1958. Unique example, manufactured for a private house designed by Rino Levi, Sao Paulo. Solid wood, gla...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Carlos Millan for Branco & Preto "M3" Midcentury brazilian Sofa, 1952
By Carlos Millan, Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Carlos Millan for Branco & Preto "M3" Midcentury brazilian Sofa, 1952 Founded in São Paulo, a mixture of shop and studio considered by many...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950
By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Carlos Milan). Coffee table. Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia, Brazil, 1950s. Solid jacaranda, ebonized wooden structure. Measurement...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Branco e Preto Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric
By Branco & Preto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan & Che Y Hwa) Pair of armchairs model “R3” Sold as individual it...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Jacaranda

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Previously Available Items
Brazilian Modern Branco and Preto Dining Set in Ebonized Hardwood, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern dining set, designed by Jacob Ruchti of the Branco & Preto Collective, 1952. Catalogued in the book about the work of Branco & Preto on several differen...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

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Cane, Hardwood

Ivory and Glass Center Table, by Branco & Preto, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Branco & Preto was a design studio created in 1952 by a group of recently graduated architects. Young modernist enthusiasts, they needed the right furniture for their projects and so...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

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Ivory

1950s "M3" Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood by Carlos Millan / Branco & Preto, Brazil
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Designed by Carlos Millan in 1952, the M3 sofa is one of the most iconic pieces designed and produced by the 'Branco & Preto' collective. The simple style can almost be called 't...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

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Rosewood

"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury
By Branco & Preto
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Branco & Preto was a design studio created in 1952 by a group of recently graduated architects. Young modernist enthusiasts, they needed the r...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Furniture

Branco & Preto 'Duas Cores' Glass Top Bicolored Coffee Table
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
A 'Duas Cores' (two colors) coffee table, produced circa 1950s in Brazil by furniture company Branco & Preto, with glass top against moder...
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1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Branco & Preto Glass Top Side Tables in Caviuna
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables by Branco & Preto, manufactured circa 1950s, glass tops against linear bases crafted of caviuna wood. Very good vintage condition, wear consi...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

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Glass, Wood

Pair of Rare Branco & Preto Bookcases in Brazilian Jacaranda Wood
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage, highly unique bookcases, produced in Brazil by furniture company Branco & Preto, circa 1950s, both in beautifully lacquered...
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1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Furniture

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Jacaranda

Branco & Preto furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Branco & Preto furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Branco & Preto furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Branco & Preto were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Forma, OCA Brazil, and Mòveis Artisticos Z. Prices for Branco & Preto furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,400 and can go as high as $65,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,695.

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