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Jean Gillon Furniture

Although he was Romanian by birth, architect and designer Jean Gillon’s heart and soul belonged to his adopted country of Brazil. The country’s culture and revered architecture served as a muse for his mid-century furniture designs. Today Gillon ranks among the most interesting figures in Brazilian modernism, which is characterized by sensual forms and beautifully handcrafted chairs, tables and cabinets built from exotic hardwoods.

Gillon was born in Iasi and graduated from the city’s George Enescu National University of the Arts. He then moved to Paris, where he studied tapestry, worked at the newspaper Le Monde as a cartoonist and moonlighted as a set designer for the Paris Opera Ballet. He eventually left Paris for Vienna, where he studied architecture at the School of Industrial Arts, known today as the University of Applied Arts. In the early 1950s, Gillon was a visiting lecturer at London’s Central School of Arts and Crafts.

In 1956, Gillon moved with his wife and two daughters to São Paulo, where he developed a passion for Brazilian architecture, namely the work of modernists such as celebrated architect Lina Bo Bardi and designer José Zanine Caldas. Gillon took on interior decorating projects and formed the Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, which later became Italma Wood Art, in order to design furniture for his clients. Gillon’s furnishings, produced at Italma and also in collaboration with manufacturers such as Probel, were immensely popular and could be found in the planned capital city of Brasilia, a project launched in 1956 by Oscar Niemeyer.

Gillon designed everything from bowls and baskets to centerpieces, tables and other objects and furniture. However, he was best known for his lounge chairs and sofas, including his iconic Jangada chair. Named for the Portuguese word for traditional Brazilian fishing boats, the award-winning Jangada was framed in jacaranda in the late 1960s. The welcoming seat of Gillon’s visually striking trapezoidal lounge chair features plush leather cushions that are supported by nylon fishing rope.

Gillon continued to produce furniture for Italma Wood Art until he retired in 2003. He died in 2007, and today Gillon’s pieces remain highly covetable among interior designers and collectors of modern furniture.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Jean Gillon seating, decorative objects and serveware.

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Creator: Jean Gillon
70’s Brazilian Black Leather & Chrome Office Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma
70’s Brazilian Black Leather & Chrome Office Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma

70’s Brazilian Black Leather & Chrome Office Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma

By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art

Located in Hanover, MA

We have four of these 1970’s Brazilian height adjustable and swiveling executive office chairs in black leather and chrome designed by Jean Gillon for I...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Chrome

1960s Jean Gillon “Rodeio” Sofa in Original Leather for WoodArt, Brazil.
1960s Jean Gillon “Rodeio” Sofa in Original Leather for WoodArt, Brazil.

1960s Jean Gillon “Rodeio” Sofa in Original Leather for WoodArt, Brazil.

By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Romanian-born Brazilian designer Jean Gillon during the 1960s, the Rodeio sofa is a distinctive expression of Brazilian modernism, combining an exposed hardwood structure...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Rosewood & Caramel Mohair, Jean Gillon, 1960s
Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Rosewood & Caramel Mohair, Jean Gillon, 1960s

Brazilian Modern Armchairs in Rosewood & Caramel Mohair, Jean Gillon, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

A rare pair of Brazilian modern armchairs designed by Jean Gillon during the 1960s. Generously proportioned and exceptionally comfortable, each chair is conceived as a softly archite...

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Mohair, Rosewood

Brazilian Modern Model 731 Serving Tray in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for WoodArt
Brazilian Modern Model 731 Serving Tray in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for WoodArt

Brazilian Modern Model 731 Serving Tray in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for WoodArt

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

A large Model 731 serving tray designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Brazil, circa 1960s. Crafted in richly figured Brazilian rosewood, the tray displays deep reddish-brown tones an...

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1970s Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, completely original.
1970s Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, completely original.

1970s Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, completely original.

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by renowned Brazilian designer Jean Gillon during the 1970s, this rare three-seat sofa is an outstanding example of Brazilian Modern design. Combining sculptural proportions...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Imbuia

Jacaranda Wood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma/Georg Jensen, 1960s
Jacaranda Wood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma/Georg Jensen, 1960s

Jacaranda Wood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma/Georg Jensen, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Organically shaped bowl in Brazilian Jacaranda wood. Designed by Brazilian wood art icon Jean Gillon during the 1960s in a series for Italma and Georg Jensen in Denmark. Due to Cites...

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Brazilian Modern Lidded Tobacco Jar in Jacaranda by Jean Gillon, 1970s
Brazilian Modern Lidded Tobacco Jar in Jacaranda by Jean Gillon, 1970s

Brazilian Modern Lidded Tobacco Jar in Jacaranda by Jean Gillon, 1970s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Stockholm, SE

Sculptural lidded tobacco jar carved from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacaranda), designed by Jean Gillon and produced in Brazil during the 1970s. The piece exemplifies Gillon’s refine...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda, Rosewood

Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Rosewood, Jean Gillon, 1960Ss
Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Rosewood, Jean Gillon, 1960Ss

Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Rosewood, Jean Gillon, 1960Ss

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

Designed by Jean Gillon and produced in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural charcuterie platter is handcrafted from solid jacarandá rosewood. Its elongated serving surface flows...

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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray model 304, c. 1960. Wood Art
Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray model 304, c. 1960. Wood Art

Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray model 304, c. 1960. Wood Art

By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art

Located in PARIS, FR

Jean Gillon Rectangular Tray, Model 304, c. 1960 Label: Wood Art 1/304 Hardwood 2 x 35 x 12 cm 79/100 x 13 39/50 x 4 18/25 in This rare rectangular tray, model 304, was designed by ...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

1960s Jean Gillon Tobacco Jar for Italma Wood Art Brazil
1960s Jean Gillon Tobacco Jar for Italma Wood Art Brazil

1960s Jean Gillon Tobacco Jar for Italma Wood Art Brazil

By Jean Gillon

Located in London, GB

Cigar humidor or tobacco jar from the 1960s. This iconic piece from the Italma Wood Art collection was created by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. Very well crafted from the finest st...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian
Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian

Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian

By Jean Gillon

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Rare pair Jean Gillon for Probel rosewood and leather lounge chairs and ottomans. The rosewood frames are in great condition with minor wear. The original beige leather is in good co...

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1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

fauteuil et ottoman "jacanda" et Ottomane par Jean Gillon, Brésil, 1960s
fauteuil et ottoman "jacanda" et Ottomane par Jean Gillon, Brésil, 1960s

fauteuil et ottoman "jacanda" et Ottomane par Jean Gillon, Brésil, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR

Icône du design brésilien des années 1960, le fauteuil “Gran Captain”, également connu sous le nom de “Jacanda”, est une création emblématique de Jean Gillon, éditée par Italma WoodA...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Palisander

"P-21" Armchair by Jean Gillon — Brazil, 1950's
"P-21" Armchair by Jean Gillon — Brazil, 1950's

"P-21" Armchair by Jean Gillon — Brazil, 1950's

By Jean Gillon

Located in Lapa de Baixo, SP

“P-21” armchair, designed in the 1950s by renowned designer Jean Gillon, with high upholstered backrest, rosewood frame with continuous arms with straight ends at the back of the pie...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

1960s Pipe Stand by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in solid rosewood
1960s Pipe Stand by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in solid rosewood

1960s Pipe Stand by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in solid rosewood

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural pipe stand reflects the same material sensitivity and architectural clarity found throughout Gillon’s ...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Set of Four Mid-Century Square Trays by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960
Set of Four Mid-Century Square Trays by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960

Set of Four Mid-Century Square Trays by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960

By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art

Located in PARIS, FR

Suite of four square trays designed by Jean Gillon, dating from about 1960. Each top is characterized by dimensions of 2 x 16 x 16 centimeters, offering a compact scale and a geometr...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair
Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair

Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair

By Jean Gillon

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Jean Gillon mid century desk chair The chair measures: 23 wide x 26.25 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 22.25 inches and arm he...

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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pipe Holder in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pipe Holder in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pipe Holder in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

Produced by WoodArt in Brazil during the mid-century period, this pipe holder reflects the company’s commitment to sculptural form and material integrity. Conceived as both a functio...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Jean Gillon Large Serving Spoon for Italma Wood Art, 1960s
Jean Gillon Large Serving Spoon for Italma Wood Art, 1960s

Jean Gillon Large Serving Spoon for Italma Wood Art, 1960s

By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon

Located in PARIS, FR

Spoon designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma/WoodArt, dating from the 1960s. Made of solid wood, this spoon is distinguished by its original geometric shape and carefully wor...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Model 109 Tray by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Elegant Design, Circa 1960
Model 109 Tray by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Elegant Design, Circa 1960

Model 109 Tray by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Elegant Design, Circa 1960

By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon

Located in PARIS, FR

Jean Gillon Model 109. circa 1960 Wearing the Wood Art label Material: Solid wood Dimensions: 35 x 14.5 x 4 cm This exceptional tray, created by Jean Gillon around 1960, is distingu...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

'Amazonas' Lounge Chair in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s
'Amazonas' Lounge Chair in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s

'Amazonas' Lounge Chair in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Deland, FL

Introducing an ultra-rare "Amazonas" lounge chair designed by the incomparable Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art. This now iconic chair is the epitome of Brazilian or Tropical Modern D...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Sculptural Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in Brazilian rosewood
1960s Sculptural Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in Brazilian rosewood

1960s Sculptural Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in Brazilian rosewood

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma / WoodArt in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural bowl reflects the same material sensitivity and organic formal language found thr...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in black leather
1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in black leather

1960s Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in black leather

By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art

Located in Victoria, BC

This Amazonas sofa was designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Wood Art in Brazil during the 1960s. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, with a strong architectural frame defi...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Jean Gillon Rectangular Tray Model 321, Mid-Century Modern, c. 1960
Jean Gillon Rectangular Tray Model 321, Mid-Century Modern, c. 1960

Jean Gillon Rectangular Tray Model 321, Mid-Century Modern, c. 1960

By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon

Located in PARIS, FR

This rectangular top in solid wood, measuring 29 x 16.5 cm, was created by Jean Gillon. The tray bears the WoodArt label with the mention "1/321". The choice of solid wood emphasises...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Triangular Spoon by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Geometric Design, 1960s
Triangular Spoon by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Geometric Design, 1960s

Triangular Spoon by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Geometric Design, 1960s

By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon

Located in PARIS, FR

Triangular spoon designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma/WoodArt, dating from the 1960s. Made of solid wood, this spoon is distinguished by its original geometric shape and ca...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle three of your prized pipes. Fashioned from exquisite rosewood, this piece e...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Spoon in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Spoon in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s

Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Spoon in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

Handcrafted in Brazil during the mid-century period, this sculptural spoon reflects the modernist inclination toward organic form and material honesty. Carved from solid jacarandá (B...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Introducing a remarkable piece from the Jean Gillon's Wood Art collection: discover this elegant wood bowl, expertly fashioned from a single piece of Rosewood with meticulous attenti...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Bottle Holder by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in solid rosewood
1960s Bottle Holder by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in solid rosewood

1960s Bottle Holder by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in solid rosewood

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma / WoodArt in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural bottle holder reflects the refined balance between utility and organic form that ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Jean Gillon plate
Jean Gillon plate

Jean Gillon plate

By Jean Gillon

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Centre de table par Jean Gillon

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Imbuia

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Tray  Vessel by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Tray  Vessel by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Tray Vessel by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

We are excited to offer this standout piece from the Jean Gillon collection: a decorative wood serving tray crafted from the finest jacaranda. Crafted with meticulous detail and unde...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Amazonian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
1960s Amazonian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

1960s Amazonian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle three of your prized pipes. Fashioned from rare Amazonian rosewood, this pi...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Handled Bowl by Jean Gillon
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Handled Bowl by Jean Gillon

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Handled Bowl by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Introducing our latest addition to our Brazillian smalls collection, this 1960's handle bowl by Jean Gillon for his Wood Art collection. Crafted from the finest jacaranda, it exudes ...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Humidor by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Humidor by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Humidor by Jean Gillon for Wood Art

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

We're thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our revered vintage Brazilian smalls collection: an iconic piece from the legendary designer Jean Gillon's Wood Art collection. Beh...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Victoria, BC

Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle five of your prized pipes. Fashioned from exquisite rosewood, this piece ep...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Rare Brazilian Sofa & Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon
Rare Brazilian Sofa & Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon

Rare Brazilian Sofa & Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Kensington, MD

Mid Century Modern as only the Brazilian designers do it! Rosewood frame with plush tufted leather cushions. Set includes a sofa and two lounge chairs. *Due to time, labor costs, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s
Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s

Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in New York, NY

With its slung arms, reclined seat, and plush, leather upholstery, this chair, created by Jean Gillon in the 1960s, possesses a quintessential Brazilian...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Brass

Jean Gillon furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean Gillon furniture 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 Jean Gillon furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jean Gillon were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Carlo Hauner, Móveis Cimo, and Geraldo de Barros. Prices for Jean Gillon furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $230 and can go as high as $51,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.