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.
Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel pair of arm-chairs by Jean Gillon for Probel, in cognac leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable chairs in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a matching sofa (3 ...
Leather, Hardwood
Jean Gillon Paddle Sofa Leather For Probel, 1960
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Vienna, AT
Paddel sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel, in leather and wood Beautiful and comfortable sofa in great condition with hardly any wear. We have a pair of chairs available also. Gillon's ...
Leather, Hardwood
$15,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair Jean Gillon Tijuca Rosewood Leather Rope Hammock Low lounge chairs Brazil
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Pair of Jean Gillon Tijuca Rosewood Leather Rope Hammock Low lounge chairs Brazil. The pair of 'Tijuca' leather lounge chairs by Romanian-Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. The cha...
Hardwood, Rosewood, Nylon
Rare pair of Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
Jangada Chair by Jean Gillon, 1960's, Brazilian Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Culver City, CA
The Jangada Chair: A Brazilian Masterpiece With Stories to Tell Let’s talk about the Jangada Chair; a stunning piece of functional art that’s as much a conversation starter as it is ...
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
Jangada Chair & Ottoman by Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Rare example of Brazilian modernism at its finest: the iconic “Jangada” lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma Wood Art...
Leather, Rope, Rosewood
Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 30.5 wide x 35.5 deep x 31.25 high, with a seat height of 15 inches and arm height/chair cle...
Leather, Wood
$9,500 / item
Jangada Arm Chair/ Lounger With Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Toronto, ON
An early Jangada arm chair with matching ottoman by Jean Gillon…” visionary furniture designer hailing from Romania and born in 1919, left an indelible mark on the world of design. H...
Leather, Rope, Hardwood
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon, Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Anchored in the bold horizons of 1960s Brazilian modernism, the Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon stands as a testament to artful craftsmanship, organic structure, and ...
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Jacaranda & Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil, this chair and ottoman set designed by the iconic Jean Gillon is...
Jacaranda
70’s Brazilian Black Leather & Chrome Office Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
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...
Chrome
Jean Gillon Sofa Produced by Wood Art in Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Jean Gillon. Produced by Wood Art in Brazil.
Brass
Brazilian Rosewood "Amazonas" Sofa by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning vintage "Amazonas" sofa designed by Jean Gillon for Italma. Gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood frame with knotted rope supports with upholstered cushion seat. Matching chair avai...
Fabric, Cord, Rosewood
Amazonas sofa by Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in New York, NY
Jean Gillon for Italma, 'Amazonas' sofa, rosewood, dark brown cognac leather, Brazil, 1968. This Amazonas sofa comes from the concept of the body being captured by the piece of furn...
Leather, Rope, Rosewood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood
By Jean Gillon, Italma, Italma Wood Art, Paltrona Frau
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Highly sought after and ultimately collectible, this beautiful example of a Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman is an EARLY model in RARE ...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 2 'Amazonas' Lounge Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-rare set of two "Amazonas" lounge chairs designed by the incomparable Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art. This now iconic chair is the epitome of Brazilian or Tropi...
Rosewood
Jangada with Ottoman Armchair By Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Leather, Nylon, Rosewood
$29,970 / set
Jean Gillon Déc chairs Italma Woodart Brazil 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
These four 'Déc' arm chairs, designed by the visionary Jean Gillon and meticulously crafted by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1968, stand as rare treasures of mid-century design. This h...
Leather, Rosewood
$18,500 / item
1960s Jangada Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
A profoundly authentic expression of Brazilian modernism, this 1960s Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon embodies the relaxed sophistication and material honesty that def...
Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Three-Seat Leather Sofa in Rosewood & Leather, Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural three-seat sofa designed by Jean Gillon in the 1970s, executed in solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá) and black leather—an iconic expression of Brazilian Modernism at i...
Leather, Hardwood
"Jangada" Lounge Armchair in Jacaranda by Jean Guillon for by Italma Woodart
By Jean Gillon
Located in Montreal, QC
"Jangada" Lounge Armchair with Ottoman in Jacaranda Designed by Jean Guillon and made by Italma Woodart Foil manufacturer's label to ottoman ‘WoodArt J...
Jacaranda
1960s Jangada Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon is a masterclass in material honesty and relaxed luxury. Dripping with authenticity, the sculptural frame is crafted from old-growth B...
Rosewood
$12,600Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Jean Gillon Tijuca Leather Sling Sofa Exotic Hardwood Rope Hammock Brazil
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Jean Gillon Tijuca Rosewood Leather Rope Hammock Low lounge Sofa Brazil. The 'Tijuca' leather lounge Sofa by Romanian-Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. The Sofa is in original inc...
Leather, Rope, Hardwood, Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood "Amazonas" Chair by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning vintage "Amazonas" chair designed by Jean Gillon for Italma. Gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood frame with knotted rope supports with upholstered cushion seat. Matching sofa avai...
Fabric, Cord, Rosewood
$23,976 / set
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Leather
Rare set of 10 Jean Gillon dining chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of 10 dining room chairs in original black leather by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s. Matching dining room table available.
Leather
Rare Pair of 'Jangada' Lounge Chairs & Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960s
By wood art, Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
About: Attention collectors: Introducing an incredibly rare set of two restored "Jangada" chairs with matching ottoman. Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boat...
Leather, Rope, Jacaranda
“Jangada” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Hardwood & Leather, Jean Gillon, 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Few works encapsulate the spirit of Brazilian Modernism as powerfully as the Jangada. Designed in the 1970s by Jean Gillon, this iconic lounge chair takes its name from the handcraft...
Leather, Natural Fiber, Hardwood, Wood
Armchair by Jean Gillon, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A hallmark of Jean Gillon’s sensual and humanistic design philosophy, this 1970s armchair exemplifies his masterful fusion of structure and comfort. The sculptural jacarandá frame, w...
Leather, Rosewood
'Amazonas' Rosewood Lounge Chair 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...
Rosewood
Jean Gillon Three Seat Sofa in Olive Leather
By Jean Gillon
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This classic 1970's Brazilian Modern sofa has leather webbing support and olive green leather cushions. Lacquer finished rosewood frame. Professional, skilled furniture restorati...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of 1960s “Saci” Armchairs by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Solid Jacaranda
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Offered here is a rare matched pair of “Saci” armchairs by Jean Gillon for WoodArt—an iconic expression of 1960s Brazilian modernism and a sculptural triumph in solid Jacaranda (Braz...
Jacaranda
'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...
Rosewood
Rare sideboard by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil. Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Wood
RESTORED 1960 JEAN GILLON BROWN LEATHER BRAZILIAN HARDWOOD ARMCHAiR & OTTOMAN
By Jean Gillon
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale extremely rare and important, original, fully restored, Brazilian Rosewood, Chrome and Hand Dyed Cigar Brown...
Leather, Hardwood
1960s Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
This exceptional Amazonas sofa from the 1960s, designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, stands as a masterwork of Brazilian modernism and artisanal construction. The sculptural frame i...
Rosewood
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...
Chrome
Jean Gillon Jangada MCM Brazilian Rosewood Leather Lounge Chairs Ottomans - Pair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon Jangada Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chairs with Ottomans - Pair The chair measures: 40 wide x 41 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 inche...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century 1955 Vintage Jean Gillon Chaise Longue
By Jean Gillon
Located in London, GB
Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was a Brazilian designer of Jewish-Polish descent who became renowned for his work in furniture design and for his significant contributions to Brazilian mode...
Upholstery, Wood
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. 77 x 150 x 84 cm
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon Two-Seater Sofa, c. 1970 Label: Probel This two-seater sofa by Jean Gillon, created circa 1970 for the manufacturer Probel, reflects the designer’s signature blend of sc...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Extremely Rare 1960s “Saci” Sofa by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Solid Jacaranda
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
A standout of Brazilian mid-century design, this 1960s “Saci” sofa by Jean Gillon for WoodArt is an exceptionally rare find—the only known example currently available for sale worldw...
Jacaranda
Rare 'Jangada' Lounge Chair by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, Brazil, c. 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil, this extraordinary armchair designed by the iconic Jean Gillon i...
Jacaranda
Rare Jean Gillon Dining Table, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking example of Brazilian modernism, this large dining table / conference table was designed by Jean Gillon in the 1960s. Bold yet refined, it reflects the sculptural elegance ...
Leather, Rosewood
Fabulous Brazilian Rosewood Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Probel
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Brazilian rosewood Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Probel. This set is in remarkable vintage condition-came from a million dollar mansion in Washington D.C. The cha...
Leather, Rosewood
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Leather, Rosewood
Price Upon Request
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, ...
Rosewood, Leather
Price Upon Request
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...
Brass