Skip to main content

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.

to
1
3
1
12
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
7
1
1
12
12
12
8
12
10
5
4
4
12
12
12
12
12
14
1,597
1,247
1,161
923
Creator: Branco & Preto
Mid-Century Modern set of 8 Cane Chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
Mid-Century Modern set of 8 Cane Chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952

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

By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto

Located in New York, NY

An 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 architecture and design s...

Category

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

Materials

Straw, 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, a pioneering architecture and design firm that opened in 1952 in São Paulo. This armchair has a ...

Category

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

Materials

Bouclé, Rosewood

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 an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a han...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Wood

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

A 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 craft. The ...

Category

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

Materials

Fabric, 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

The M3 sofa by Branco & Preto, crafted in solid wood and recently reupholstered with suede. Founded in São Paulo in 1952, Branco & Preto became a landmark in the history of...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern 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 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 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 "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 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

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960

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 an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a handwoven cane seat and backrest, the piece reflects the studio's precision and craft. The loose cushions...

Category

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

Materials

Silk, Cane, Rosewood

Related Items
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

$3,650 / set

H 31 in W 23.75 in D 22.5 in

Pair of Jens Risom Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

By Jens Risom

Located in New York, NY

Danish Jens Risom attributed Mid-Century Modern armchairs with new wool felt upholstery, circa 1960s . Button tufted. Tapered legs with minor loses and fading to wood. Good original ...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Wool

Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara

Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara

By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù

Located in Prato, IT

Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 4 cognac leather and dark beech wood dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù. The chairs are in really good vintage condi...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Leather, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blue Twelve Dining Chairs Roland Rainer 1952 Vienna
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blue Twelve Dining Chairs Roland Rainer 1952 Vienna

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Blue Twelve Dining Chairs Roland Rainer 1952 Vienna

By Roland Rainer Emil & Alfred Pollack

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern twelve ( 12 ) dining chairs or chairs from beechwood and plywood in ocean blue teal color tone by Roland Rainer 1952 Vienna for Emil and Alfred Pollack. A gorgeou...

Category

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

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6
Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 6

By Paul McCobb, Directional

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Paul McCobb for Directional Mid Century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 16.5 wide x 16.5 deep x 34.5 high, with a seat height of 17.25 inches...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 5
Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 5

Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 5

By Mainline by Hooker

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Mainline by Hookermid century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 5 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 21 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Each captains...

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

$3,227

H 34.65 in W 57.88 in D 31.5 in

Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.

Category

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

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s

$5,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 31.25 in W 81.25 in D 26.5 in

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Steel Airport Tandem Sofa, circa 1950s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking example of mid-century American contract design, this three-seat tandem sofa was sourced directly from the Long Beach Airport (used in the 1950s and 60s) and embodies the ...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa, France, Circa 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa, France, Circa 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa, France, Circa 1950s

$2,550Sale Price|70% Off

H 37.41 in W 70.87 in D 33.47 in

Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa, France, Circa 1950s

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Sofa from the 1950's in its original condition Needs new upholstery

Category

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

Materials

Velvet

Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s

Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for Minotti, 1950s

By Gigi Radice, Minotti

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and blue velvet upholstery and black lacquered metal legs. The upholstery has been redone.

Category

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

Materials

Metal

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs  & 2 Arm-Chairs
Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs  & 2 Arm-Chairs

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

$5,395Sale Price / set|35% Off

H 37.75 in W 21.75 in D 18.25 in

Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs, 4 Side-Chairs & 2 Arm-Chairs

By John Widdicomb

Located in Huntington, NY

A Set of 6 John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern dining chairs, 4 side-chairs & 2 arm-chairs Measure: Seat height 17.5.

Category

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

Materials

Naugahyde, Walnut

Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs
Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs

Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs

$5,600 / set

H 40 in W 22.25 in D 19.25 in

Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Set of 6 cane Mid-Century Modern style dining chairs with newly upholstered leather seat in Holly Hunt leather. Sculptural legs, sturdy. Frames in good original condition with a slig...

Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Seating

Materials

Leather, Cane

1950s Italian Mid Century Corner Sofa
1950s Italian Mid Century Corner Sofa

1950s Italian Mid Century Corner Sofa

$7,800

H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 25.5 in

1950s Italian Mid Century Corner Sofa

Located in Berkeley, CA

Origin: Italy Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1950s Materials: Wool, Beech Measurements: 78.75″ wide x 25.5″ deep x 31.5″ tall Condition: In good original condition wit...

Category

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

Materials

Wool, Beech

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

Wood

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...

Category

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.