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.
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 Jangada Brazilian Rosewood, Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon Jangada Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman The chair measures: 40 wide x 41 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 inches and arm...
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
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
Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Italma, Jean Gillon
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
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
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues, 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 with Ottoman, Rosewood
By Italma, Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon, 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
Jangada with Ottoman Armchair By Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Leather, Nylon, 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
Jean Gillon Jangada Brazilian Rosewood, Leather Lounge Chairs w/ 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
Jean Gillon Lounge Chairs in Terracotta Colored Leather for Probel, Brazil 1970s
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Wien, AT
Jean Gillon Lounge Chairs by Moveis Probel, Brazil 1970s. A very impressive shape and smart design details make those rare club chairs a delight to witness in any space. We love how ...
Metal, Chrome
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
'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
'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
1960s Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon in rosewood and leather
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
This Jangada lounge chair and ottoman were designed by Jean Gillon in Brazil during the 1960s. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, with a low and grounded frame that emphasiz...
Leather, Wood
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
$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
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
Jangada Lounge Chair with ottoman in Cognac Leather by Jean Gillon Brazil 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Jangada Lounge Chair with ottoman in cognac leather by Jean Gillon, Brazil 1960s A breathtaking design which was inspired by the markets and fishermen of Brazil, The Jangada chair i...
Brass
Amazonas Lounge Chair with ottoman in Cognac Leather by Jean Gillon Brazil 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Incredible and rare design by Jean Gillon, the ‘Amazonas’ easy chair with ottoman in cognac leather, wood and metal, Brazil 1960s A breathtaking design which was inspired by the mar...
Metallic Thread
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
$4,077 / set
H 27.76 in W 27.96 in D 30.32 in
Set of 2 Easy Chairs by Martin Visser for 'T Spectrum, 1960s
By Martin Visser, 't Spectrum Bergeijk, Dick van der Net
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This is a beautiful set of 2 size 38/size 08 Martin Visser easy chairs for 't Spectrum in collaboration with designer Dick van der Net. This model has been produced by 't Spectrum fr...
Metal
$15,995 / set
H 32.75 in W 35 in D 41 in
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Sergio Rodrigues, 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
$16,000
H 35.4 in W 86.6 in D 31.5 in
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
Jean Gillon for Italma Jacaranda Wood Art "Amazonas" Lounge Chair
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
The opportunity to take this gorgeous Jean Gillon-designed Jacaranda wood chair and apply your own vision to it! Chair can be disassembled, packed, and shipped to Continental US for...
Jacaranda
$16,900 / set
H 31.5 in W 36.6 in D 38.2 in
Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
By Jean Gillon, Probel
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
$25,000
H 32.5 in W 36 in D 41.5 in
“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
Easy Chairs in Rosewood, of Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair in rosewood, upholstered with light fabric and of Danish design from the 1960s, is an elegant and comfortable piece of furniture that exudes timeless beauty and craftsma...
Fabric, 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
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
$29,400 / set
H 28.75 in W 22.84 in D 28.75 in
Pair of Vintage Imbuia Lounge Chairs by Móveis Cimo, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Imbuia Lounge chairs was designed by Martin Zipperer in 1950 and manufactured by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, a pioneer in Brazilian furniture industrialization. I...
Velvet, Imbuia
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
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
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Jean Gillon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' armchair and ottoman, rosewood, nylon rope, cognac leather, Brazil, 1968. This robust and hefty armchair is designed by Jean Gillon. The originality of this...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' armchair and ottoman, rosewood, nylon rope, leather, Brazil, 1968. This robust and hefty armchair is designed by Jean Gillon. The originality of this Jangan...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Pair of Jean Gillon 'Jangada' Brazilian Armchairs and Ottomans
By Jean Gillon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' pair of armchairs and ottomans, rosewood, nylon rope, leather, Brazil, 1968. These robust and hefty armchairs are designed by Jean Gillon. The originality o...
Leather, Nylon, Wood
Sold
H 31.89 in W 41.34 in D 35.83 in
Jangada Lounge Chair with ottoman in Cognac Leather by Jean Gillon Brazil 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Jangada Lounge Chair with ottoman in cognac leather by Jean Gillon, Brazil 1960s A breathtaking design inspired by the markets and fishermen of Brazil, is often seen and referred to...
Brass
Jean Gillon Leather Paddle Arm Chairs
By Jean Gillon
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic large scale pair of Paddle leather armchairs by Jean Gillon - Brazil, circa 1960s Dark wood frame with Wide paddle shaped arms and unique large nut & bolt joinery. Buttery...
Wood, Leather
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...
Leather, Hardwood
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
Sold
H 33.08 in W 38.19 in D 35.44 in
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...
Fabric, Hardwood
Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil Circa 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
The Brazilian Jangada Chair with ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon, embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication with a distinct touch of Brazilian craftsmanship. Inspired by th...
Leather, Rope, Hardwood
Tijuca Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil Circa 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
The Brazilian Jangada Chair with ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon, embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication with a distinct touch of Brazilian craftsmanship. Inspired by th...
Leather, Rope, Hardwood
Jean Gillion Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Tijuca Lounge Chair
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Designed by Jean Gillion for Italma of Brazil in the 1970s, this 'Tijuca'' lounge chair features a thick leather cushion supported by an intricately woven...
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon Paddle Shearling Arm Chairs
By Jean Gillon
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic large scale pair of Paddle Armchairs by Jean Gillon for Probel. Brazil, circa 1970s Dark wood frame with Wide paddle shaped arms and unique large nut & bolt joinery. Sl...
Wood