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Branco & Preto Seating

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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Creator: Branco & Preto
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte for Branco & Preto, the MF5 Armchair stands as a milestone of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a handwoven ca...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà
1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà

1950 Branco e Preto-Sofa wood fabric upholstery Manufactured by Paubrà

By Branco & Preto

Located in Milano, Lombardia

The name chosen by the young Brazilian architects Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan and the Chinese Che Y Hwa for their design company literally...

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern set of 8 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern set of 8 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern set of 8 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional example of Brazilian modernist craftsmanship, the Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for Branco & Preto, one of São Paulo’s most influential architect...

Category

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

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto, Luiz Pássaro

Located in New York, NY

An exceptional example of Brazilian modernist craftsmanship, the Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for Branco & Preto, one of São Paulo’s most influential architect...

Category

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

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An elegant M3 sofa by Branco & Preto, crafted in solid wood and distinguished by bold yet refined details that reveal the studio’s avant-garde vision for its time. Designed in t...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern "R3" Armchair by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An iconic R3 Armchair by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneering studios of Brazilian modernism. Designed in the 1950s, these pieces exemplify the studio’s signature harmony between s...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s

Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s

By Branco & Preto

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Designed for the pioneering São Paulo collective Branco & Preto, the R3 armchairs embody the group’s synthesis of architectural rigor and understated luxury. Their geometric stru...

Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3
Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3

Branco & Preto armchairs model n R3

By Branco & Preto

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Branco & Preto (1952-1965) Model n°R3 Pair of armchairs Imbuia wood and fabric Edited by Branco & Preto Creation date: circa 1952 H 75 × L 62 × P 75 cm Bibliography: Movel moderno no...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Imbuia, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

Mid-Century Modern Pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An iconic pair of R3 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, one of the pioneering studios of Brazilian modernism. Designed in the 1950s, these pieces exemplify the studio’s signature harmony b...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953
Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

Mid-Century Modern Pair of M1 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953

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...

Category

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

Materials

Bouclé, Rosewood

Branco e Preto Pair of  Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric
Branco e Preto Pair of  Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric

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 Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Jacaranda

Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"
Branco & Preto Pair of Brazilian Modern Armchairs, "R3"

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 Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

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Previously Available Items
Branco & Preto. Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Imbúia Wood
Branco & Preto. Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench in Imbúia 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 Seating

Materials

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Pair of Mid-Century Chairs by Branco & Preto 'Attr.', Brazil, 1950s
Pair of Mid-Century Chairs by Branco & Preto 'Attr.', Brazil, 1950s

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...

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Branco and Preto M1 Sofa in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1960s
Branco and Preto M1 Sofa in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1960s

Branco and Preto M1 Sofa in Caviuna Wood, Brazil, 1960s

By Branco & Preto

Located in Utrecht, NL

Caviuna wooden sofa designed by Branco & Preto model M 1, Brazil, 1960s This sofa by designer collective Branco & Preto follows function over form with a clear and rational design. The solid caviuna structure is both functional and aesthetic and contrasts nicely with the lush velvet upholstery. The cushions have built-in springs which allow surprisingly soft seating, especially considering the strong lines that give the sofa a somewhat firm and square appearance. The well sized sofa offers room for three (or maybe 4) people. This M-1 sofa comes with its original upholstery. Condition: Fabric is in vintage condition, but good considering its age. We work with the best craftspeople in the Netherlands. Dimensions: 78.75 in. W x 29.53 in. D x 28.15 in. H; seat height 15.75 in. 200 cm W x 75 cm D x 71.5 cm H; seat height 40 cm About the designer: São Paulo 1950. In a time when communication wasn’t abundant and import was still rare, a group of young architects and idealists gathered to solve a new problem. How to decorate the projects that came out of the group's drawing boards with furniture that represented the architecture they practiced. Enthusiastically they welcomed the idea of group member Roberto Aflalo: to create a store and studio that would sell furniture with a modern design, while using Brazilian raw material and making sure it had an impeccable finish. The name they decided upon was Branco e Preto (White and Black), colors that would also often be featured in their fabrics made especially for the store by the Lanfício Fileppo factory. It’s founders: Jacob Ruchti, Miguel Forte, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Milan and Chen Y Hawa. All but the latter alumni of the Mackenzie Engineering School. And so in December 1952 the Branco e Preto store opened in the city centre of São Paulo. For its opening the group not only created furniture, but also curtains, lamps, carpets and the likes. Following the idea of frank Lloyd Wright, who created houses from the inside out, that furniture is a "complement of architecture”. With its high prices and focus on the elite of São Paulo, the store often catered to customers who had their homes specifically created by one of the group's architects and the furniture was often designed or adapted with a specific residence in mind. Brazilian woods were combined with glass, iron, Formica and Calcutta marble. Made in a rational and geometric way, the furniture of Branco e Preto has a very characteristic lightness and simplicity. Like so many Brazilian furniture brands, it never had Industrial Production and as a result everything was made by hand. Some of the most famous designs of the group are the MF5 armchair, designed by Carlos Millan and Forte, the R3 armchair by Jacob Ruchti and the M3 sofa by Carlos Millan, all from 1950s. ~HG. Shipping: This Branco and Preto...

Category

1960s Brazilian Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Branco & Preto Pair of Chairs “M1”, Jacaranda & Green Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Branco & Preto Pair of Chairs “M1”, Jacaranda & Green Velvet, Brazil, 1950s

Branco & Preto Pair of Chairs “M1”, Jacaranda & Green Velvet, Brazil, 1950s

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 “M1” Designed by Carlos Milan Manufactured by Mahlmeis...

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Velvet, Jacaranda

1950s "M3" Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood by Carlos Millan / Branco & Preto, Brazil
1950s "M3" Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood by Carlos Millan / Branco & Preto, Brazil

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...

Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury
"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury

"R3" Armchair, Branco & Preto, Brazilian Midcentury

Sold

H 28.35 in W 26.78 in D 24.41 in

"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...

Category

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

Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Cane Chairs by Studio Branco & Preto
Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Cane Chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Cane Chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

By Branco & Preto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Brazilian jacaranda cane chairs by Studio Branco & Preto

Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Cane, Jacaranda

Lounge chairs by Branco & Preto
Lounge chairs by Branco & Preto

Lounge chairs by Branco & Preto

Sold

H 31 in W 30 in D 34 in

Lounge chairs by Branco & Preto

By Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

Pair of upholstered lounge chairs with wood frame. Produced by Branco & Preto, Brazil. (seat: 17" H)

Category

Brazilian Branco & Preto Seating

Branco & Preto seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Branco & Preto seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by OCA Brazil, Rino Levi, and Mòveis Artisticos Z. Prices for Branco & Preto seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,000 and can go as high as $65,950, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,699.