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.
Branco & Preto, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Cane, Brass, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood, cane and brass lounge chairs designed and produced by Branco & Preto Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte, Brazil, 1960s. Model commonly outfitted with seat cushion. W...
Brass
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...
Silk, Cane, Rosewood
$22,940
H 28.75 in W 34.65 in D 30.71 in
Lounge Chair in Hardwood by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios — Brazil, 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in São Paulo, SP
This pair of mid-century lounge chairs, designed by the esteemed Brazilian design manufacturer Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, is a stunning representation of the innovative and refined cr...
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Walnut Lounge Armchairs, 1957
By Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Elegant pair of black walnut lounge armchairs. Totally restored including wood and all new upholstery and padding. Great style with wrap aro...
Walnut, Fabric
$20,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 30.5 in D 36.25 in
Brazilian Rosewood Lounge Chairs by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, 1960s
By Fatima Arquitetura Interiores (FAI)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and substantial pair of Brazilian modern lounge chairs produced by Fátima Arquitetura e Interiores, Brazil, circa 1960s. Executed in richly figured solid rosewood, these lounge...
Leather, Rosewood
Solid Wood Lounge Chair with Round Cushions, Indonesia 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Throughout the 20th century, wood had been the most important furniture material. This is especially true for the mid-century era, during which it was a staple material across the wo...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
$21,453
H 28.75 in W 34.65 in D 30.71 in
Mid-Century Lounge Chair from Brazil, Rosewood & Leather, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare Brazilian lounge chair from the 1960s, attributed over the years to designers Jorge Zalszupin and Lina Bo Bardi, as well as the workshops of Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. To date,...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Beige Armchair, Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beige armchair, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchair was made in the 1960s in the Goscieninska Furniture Factory. It is made from solid beechwood. The GFM type armchair is regarded ...
Textile, Beech
Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Lounge Chair 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen - Cane Lounge Chair, c1962 Rare lounge chair produced by Worts Mobelsnedkeri in Denmark. The original cane sides and back are in immaculate condition. The frame is ma...
Wool, Rosewood
$2,667
H 26.38 in W 24.02 in D 31.5 in
Lounge chair in Cane and Solid Wood, Brazilian and Midcentury style, Modern
By Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Hans J. Wegner
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Lounge chair, cane and solid wood, natural and handmade easy chair. Very comfortable. Minimalistic design. Shipping services: Ask for our competitive shipping quote.
Cane, Wood
$45,000 / set
H 37.5 in W 41 in D 32 in
Sergio Rodrigues Tonico Lounge Chairs with Ottomans, 1960s Brazil
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of Tonico lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues with matching ottomans. Made by Oca for Meia Pataca in Brazil, these chairs and ottomans are made of solid Jacarand...
Wool, Leather, Jacaranda
$4,700Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 28.5 in W 30.75 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Brazilian Modern Fiberglass Lounge Chairs, circa 1960s
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible pair of fiberglass lounge chairs were sourced in Rio, Brazil and recently imported and then restored here in Los Angeles. We are unsure the designer of these chairs, they were acquired along with a set of Percival Lafer fiberglass...
Fiberglass
$11,600
H 32.29 in W 25.99 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Armchair & Ottoman by Georges Frydman - France 1960's
By Georges Frydman, EFA
Located in New York, NY
Rarest "Tube Coudé" lacquered steel legs armchair and ottoman by Georges Frydman for EFA, France. Brass screws on armrests sides. This armchair will ship from France and can be ret...
Steel
$3,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.34 in W 32.49 in D 27.37 in
Pair of New Upholstered Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Lifa, West Germany, 1963
By LIFA
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Great pair of New Upholstered Mid-Century Modern armchairs by Lifa West Germany High quality German manufacturing from the 1960s We upholstered these chairs with a stunning mid...
Wool, Beech
Jacob Ruchti R3 armchair for Branco & Preto Brazil 1952
By Jacob Ruchti, Branco & Preto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A highly refined piece of Brazilian design, this Early R3 armchair was designed by Jacob Ruchti and manufactured by Branco & Preto in São Paulo in 1952. The chair exemplifies the...
Fabric, Hardwood
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)