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Branco & Preto Chairs

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 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

$88,400 / set

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...

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

Materials

Straw, Rosewood

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Branco & Preto chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Branco & Preto chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs 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 chairs by Geraldo de Barros, Sergio Rodrigues, and José Zanine Caldas. Prices for Branco & Preto chairs 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 $11,000.

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