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.
Brazilian Bar with Side Table in Hardwood and Glass by Branco e Preto, c. 1950’s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Produced by Branco & Preto in the 1950s, this bar cabinet with integrated side table exemplifies the studio’s disciplined approach to proportion, material richness, and functiona...
Glass, Hardwood
$1,900 / item
H 35.44 in W 26.78 in D 12.21 in
'Dram' Mid-Century Modern Style Dry Bar in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Dram dry bar is defined by its open spaces and marked by its sculpted angles and brass components which add levity and delicacy. It is a mid-century modern inspired piece with a mini...
Wood
Ebonized Wood and Glass Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca, Italy 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Catania, CT
Elegant 1950s Italian bar cart by Cesare Lacca, crafted in ebonized wood with a refined sculptural structure and a circular glass top. The piece features Lacca’s characteristic flowi...
Art Glass, Wood
$14,700 / item
H 27.56 in W 17.72 in D 45.28 in
Bar Cart in Tropical Brazilian Hardwood, Contemporary Design
By Rahyja Afrange
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This tea cart or bar cart made of tropical Brazilian hardwood evokes the ancient ritual of making tea, which endures as one of the few things we can...
Brass
$6,300
H 33.08 in W 25.6 in D 18.71 in
Brazilian Bar Cart in Rosewood by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, the bar cart is made of Rosewood, Glass, and Steel. Composed of three removable serving trays and steel casters for Forma S/A Móveis e Obj...
Steel
Vintage Bar Cart, Unknown Designer, Brazil 1950s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage Bar Cart by Unknown Designer In the manner of Celina Decorações Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Hardwood
$15,000
H 17.72 in W 27.96 in D 20.08 in
Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955
By Branco & Preto
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An archetypal example of Branco & Preto’s rational elegance, these side tables exemplify the group’s pursuit of harmony between proportion, material, and function. The transparen...
Glass, Rosewood
$22,148
H 13 in W 35.44 in D 70.87 in
Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950
By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Carlos Milan). Coffee table. Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia, Brazil, 1950s. Solid jacaranda, ebonized wooden structure. Measurement...
Jacaranda
Wood and Glass Bar Cart by Nordiska, Argentina, circa 1950
By Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and glass bar cart by Nordiska, Argentina, circa 1950.
Wood
$2,500 / item
H 37.41 in W 42.52 in D 19.69 in
'Aran' Mid-Century Modern style Dry Bar in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Made in partnership with one of Brazil’s first independent Gin distilleries, ARAN was conceived with the intention of bringing the interaction, energy and the cocktail and mixology ...
Brass
$29,900
H 11.81 in W 59.05 in D 29.52 in
Mid-Century Modern Duas Cores Coffee Table by Branco & Preto, 1952
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The Duas Cores Coffee Table, designed 1952 by Branco & Preto, embodies the pioneering spirit that redefined Brazilian interiors in the mid-20th century. Made of solid Pau-Marfi...
Glass, Hardwood
$2,025
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 17.33 in
Serving Bar Cart by Cesare Lacca in Wood, Brass and Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Rome, IT
Serving bar cart in wood and brass details composed of two removable glass trays by the Italian designer Cesare Lacca, 1950s.
Metal, Brass
$3,515
H 38.98 in W 51.19 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Curved Iron and Glass Bar with Yellow Glass Top, Italy, 1950
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant Italian bar from the 1950s, defined by its distinctive curved form and light, architectural structure. The piece features a lacquered iron frame crafted as a delicate open gr...
Chrome, Iron