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.
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...
Straw, Rosewood
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...
Straw, Rosewood
$7,130 / set
H 30.52 in W 16.93 in D 20.87 in
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...
Beech, Plywood
$4,441 / set
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 21.66 in
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...
Leather, Beech
$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.
Naugahyde, Walnut
$2,347 / set
H 33 in W 22.5 in D 21 in
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...
Cane, Walnut
Set of Mid-Century Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four Mid-Century Modern dining chairs in walnut wood frame. Vinyl seat coverings and sculpted wood backs. Please confirm location.
Walnut
$6,495 / set
H 36 in W 23 in D 20 in
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...
Cane, Walnut
Mid-Century Italian Set of Four Caned Folding Chairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Set of four Mid-Century cane and laquered wood Italian folding chairs.
Cane, Wood
$3,506 / set
H 31.5 in W 18.12 in D 16.93 in
Gianfranco Frattini, Italian Mid-Century Modern Set of 4 Wooden Chairs, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful Set of 4 wooden chairs by Gianfranco Frattini, 1950s: a perfect Italian Mid-Century addition in a well curated dining room. Subtle geometric transitions between curves and...
Leather, Wood
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...
Leather, Cane
$2,600 / set
H 36.5 in W 23 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by American of Martinsville, Set of 6
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unusual set of midcentury dining chairs manufactured by the American Furniture Company of Martinsville, Virginia. This set includes four side chairs and two armchairs. Handsomely scu...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of Six French Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs
Located in New York City, NY
Set of six original French Modernist dining chairs featuring an open airy designed frame. Tall backs with rounded vertical post and hor...
Naugahyde, Wood
$4,595 / set
H 29 in W 20.75 in D 22 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Teak Set of 6 Dining Chairs #8 by Helge Sibast
By Helge Sibast
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple yet elegant set of 6 severely angled spindle back dining chairs in Teak by Helge Sibast. Very tight and comfy in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Priced...
Fabric, Teak