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Jean Gillon Seating

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
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood
By Italma Wood Art, Italma, Paltrona Frau, Jean Gillon
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 ...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Leather by Jean Gillon, 1970, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this very Brazilian modern sofa in black leather and hardwood designed by Jean Gillon in the seventies is simply spectacular! This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind three sea...
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Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Jean Gillon Tijuca Chairs and Ottoman, a Set of 3
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of Jean Gillon “Tijuca” chairs and ottoman consisting of two oversized chairs and an ottoman. These are increasingly more difficult to, e...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

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.
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather

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...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather

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...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rope, Hardwood

Jean Gillon For Italma Brown Leather Two Seater Sofa Brazilian Mid Century
By Jean Gillon, Italma, Italma Wood Art
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Jean Gillon For Italma Wood Art Brown Leather Two Seater Sofa Brazilian Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM This mid century two seater brown leather sofa with a jacaranda fr...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Foam, Jacaranda

Rodeio Sofa in Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exceptional "Rodeio" sofa, designed by renowned Brazilian modernist Jean Gillon in the 1960s, is a testament to the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship and moderni...
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Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Leather, Suede

Jean Gillon bench with magazine rack Italma Brazil 1965
By Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Extremely rare 'banco revisteiro’ designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1965. Beautiful slat bench made from solid rosewood with its red/brown warm ...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Cowhide, Rosewood

Jean Gillon For Probel Yellow Leather Lounge Chair & Coffee/Side Table Brazilian
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Jean Gillon For Probel Yellow Leather Lounge Chair & Coffee/Side Table Brazilian Mid Century Vintage Retro MCM A masterpiece of Brazilian modernist design. This mid ce...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Suede, Foam, Hardwood

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...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Chrome

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...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Jean Gillon Tijuca / Amazonas Leather and Rosewood sofa for Italma
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Designed by Jean Gillion for Italma of Brazil in the 1970s, this 'Tijuca'' sofa features a thick leather cushion supported by an intricately woven string h...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Rosewood

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 ...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jangada with Ottoman Armchair By Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Nylon, 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...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Design Jean Gillion. Produced during the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.  
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather

Brazilian Stool Footrest Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find item by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. This example is in fair condition, showing cosmetic wear and one tenon has been cracked and re-glued.
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Lounge Chairs in Solid Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Mid-century Design
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Jean Gillon Mid-Century Lounge Chairs: A Masterpiece of Brazilian Modernist Design This pair of mid-century lounge chairs by Jean Gillon exemplifies the designer's unparalleled abili...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Vintage Brazilian Jangada Chair by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Saint Paul, MN
This exquisite vintage Jangada chair by renowned designer Jean Gillon is the perfect addition to any home. Handcrafted with premium rosewood and halyard rope, this chair is both stur...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A.
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Buffalo, NY
BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A... Classic Modernist 1970's design.. Extremely comfortable.. Superior quality and construction.Retains its o...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

"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...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Jacaranda

Jean Gillon Jangada MCM Brazilian Rosewood Leather Lounge Chairs Ottomans - Pair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Countryside, 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...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Brazilian Modern “Jangada” Armchair & Stool in Hardwood & Leather, Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern “Jangada” lounge chair with stool in hardwood & leather by Jean Gillon designed in the 1960s is absolutely gorgeous! The chair's name, "Jangada," was named after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil. The “purplish” tone of the wood chair contrasts nicely with the iconic caramel leather upholstery, adding to its luxurious and elegant appearance. The upholstery took three months to make and was done by some of the best upholsters in Rio de Janeiro following Gillon’s upholstery methodology (as is showcased in the vintage publications attached). Remains of the manufacturing seal can be seen in the wood base. The nets are new. Owning a "Jangada '' lounge chair is not just about acquiring a beautiful piece of furniture; it's also about possessing a part of Brazilian design history and culture. This chair is a testament to Jean Gillon’s creativity and vision, and it would make an excellent addition to any interior space that values and appreciates the significance of this design. Beyond its physical beauty and unique design, the "Jangada" lounge chair also embodies the Brazilian spirit, an specific aspect of Brazilian Modernism that can be seen in other brazilian icons like Sergio Rodrigues, the Tres Pies chair of Joaquim Tenreiro or the Canoa sofa of Liceu de Artes e Oficios. The gorgeous set is showcased in our showroom next to a Novo Rumo rosewood credenza, a bar cart designed by Geraldo de Barros and the convo looks nothing less than spectacular Size: H32.5, W36, D41.5, SH15.5 (in) H82.5, W91.4, D105.4, SH39.4 (cm) Jean Gillon is a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studies at the Architecture and Fine arts Schools at the National University. He founded his first company Fábrica de Móveis Cidam in 1961 after emigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels throughout Brazil and homes and stores. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Natural Fiber, Hardwood, Wood

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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Jacaranda

Jean Gillon Amazonas Sofa
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Italma Wood Art, Brazil Material: rosewood, rope, leather Size: 86 W × 35 D × 30 H in seat height 14 inches Decal manufacturer's label to interior of back stretcher...
Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rope, Rosewood

Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. Probel Label
By Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
The 2-seater sofa designed by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon is an elegant and comfortable piece. It consists of a solid wood frame, covered with a white cotton curly fabric. The fab...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Jean Gillon Jangada armchair and ottoman were completely disassembled and each piece of rosewood was stripped, sanded and refinished in multiple coats of hand-buffed finishing o...
Category

1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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 Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1960s Leather Armachair by Jean Gillon for Probel, Brazil
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in London, GB
A 1960s cantilever armchair in good quality cognac leather on a hardwood frame by Jean Gillon for Problel. Jean Gillon was born in Romania and studied at the Faculty of Architecture...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Chic Vintage Leather Jean Gillon Amazonas Italma Brazilian Rosewood Sofa Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Chic vintage Jean Gillon Italma Brazilian leather and Rosewood Amazonas sofa. This sofa measures 85" W × 34" D × 30" H and the seat height is 14". Decal manufacturer's label to the ...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Rosewood, Leather, Rope

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.    
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Brass

Jean Gillon "Tijuca" Sofa in Hardwood and Nylon Hammock, Brazil, 1970
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The 'Tijuca' sofa, by Romanian-Brazilian designer Jean Gillon, is probably one of the most iconic pieces to come out of his drawing boards. Using the sa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Nylon, Faux Leather, Hardwood

Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Countryside, 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 Seating

Materials

Chrome

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...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Rodeio Armchair, by Jean Gillon in Hardwood. Brazilian Midcentury Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Rodeio armchair is an iconic piece that perfectly represents the main characteristics of Brazilian design as a school. It is one of the most outstanding creations of Jean Gillon,...
Category

Early 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Jacaranda

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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather

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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating

Materials

Leather

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 Seating

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

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 Seating

Materials

Brass

Jean Gillon seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean Gillon seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Carlo Hauner, Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, and José Zanine Caldas. Prices for Jean Gillon seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,400 and can go as high as $27,635, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $23,250.

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