Branco & Preto Bookcases
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-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Jacaranda
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Jacaranda, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Jacaranda
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Bookcases
Teak
2010s Italian Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Wood, Walnut
2010s Italian Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Wood, Walnut
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Bookcases
Wood
20th Century European Art Deco Branco & Preto Bookcases
Leather, Walnut
19th Century English Victorian Antique Branco & Preto Bookcases
Oak
Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Branco & Preto Bookcases
Brass
Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Branco & Preto Bookcases
Brass
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Bookcases
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Branco & Preto Bookcases
Glass, Ash
1950s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Bookcases
Oak
2010s Italian Modern Branco & Preto Bookcases
Oak, Wood
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Branco & Preto Bookcases
Jacaranda