Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

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.

Creator: Jean Gillon

Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian

$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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Brass

Rare Pair of Model 2254 Lounge Chairs by Børge Mogensen with Ottomans 1950s Wool

$5,975 / set

H 33.47 in W 25.99 in D 38.98 in

Rare Pair of Model 2254 Lounge Chairs by Børge Mogensen with Ottomans 1950s Wool

By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Rare pair of Model 2254. ''Slaedestolen'' lounge chairs with matching pair of Model 2248. ottomans. Designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia in the 1950s. The Model 2254. lounge cha...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Wool, Oak

Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon

$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 ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s

$1,995Sale Price / set|28% Off

H 32 in W 36 in D 35 in

'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s

By George Mulhauser, Plycraft

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An iconic Mid-Century Modern 'Mr. Chair' and ottoman, designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960s. A timeless example of American Modernist design, this sculptural lounge ...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Plywood, Faux Leather

Jean Gillon for Italma Amazonas Mid Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman

$5,995

H 31.25 in W 30.5 in D 35.5 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s

$17,944

H 27.56 in W 41.34 in D 31.5 in

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Rare pair of Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chairs, Brazil, 1960s

$47,852 / set

H 27.56 in W 41.34 in D 31.5 in

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 Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Erhardsen & Andersen, "Siesta" Chair with Ottoman, Black Leather, Lounge Chair

$2,900

H 36.5 in W 31 in D 30 in

Erhardsen & Andersen, "Siesta" Chair with Ottoman, Black Leather, Lounge Chair

By Erhardsen & Andersen

Located in Toledo, OH

Erhardsen and Andersen, "Siesta" chair with ottoman. 20th century. Black leather tufted armchair on chrome base with matching ottoman. Unlabeled...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Don Shoemaker Sling "Swinger" Chair and Ottoman, Mexico 1960s

$4,160Sale Price / set|37% Off

H 32.5 in W 31 in D 28.5 in

Don Shoemaker Sling "Swinger" Chair and Ottoman, Mexico 1960s

By Don S. Shoemaker

Located in Camden, ME

A Classic 20th century chair and ottoman from one of the great craftsman's workshops of Mexico: Senal, S.A., Don Shoemaker's tropical paradise in Michoacan, Mexico. This iconic chai...

Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Cocobolo

Jangada Chair by Jean Gillon, 1960's, Brazilian Modern

$14,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 32.5 in W 34.5 in D 41 in

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 ...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Brazilian Rosewood "Amazonas" Chair by Jean Gillon for Italma

$6,200

H 30.5 in W 38 in D 32 in

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Fabric, Cord, Rosewood

Set of 2 'Amazonas' Lounge Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s

$25,950

H 28 in W 38 in D 32 in

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...

Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rosewood

Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood

$15,500 / set

H 32.5 in W 36 in D 40 in

Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood

By Paltrona Frau, Jean Gillon, Italma, Italma Wood Art

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 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Previously Available Items

Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Cognac Leather

Sold

H 32.29 in W 35.44 in D 39.38 in

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rope, Wood

Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman

Sold

H 32.29 in W 35.44 in D 39.38 in

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...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rope, Wood

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s

Sold

H 15.16 in W 27.96 in D 16.34 in

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Stockholm, SE

Design Jean Gillion. Produced during the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather

Jean Gillon Blue Leather Captain Chair with Ottoman, 1960s

Sold

H 30.71 in W 31.5 in L 30.71 in

Jean Gillon Blue Leather Captain Chair with Ottoman, 1960s

By Jean Gillon

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Stunning midcentury leather armchair with ottoman in a beautiful blue leather upholstery (original). This unique armchair sits very well and is the typical style of Jean Gillon wi...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Jean Gillon Brazilian Jacarandá Rosewood Ottoman Stool Brown Leather by Wood Art

Sold

H 15.16 in W 29.53 in D 17.72 in

Jean Gillon Brazilian Jacarandá Rosewood Ottoman Stool Brown Leather by Wood Art

By Jean Gillon

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare Jacarandá rosewood ottoman by Jean Gillon. Made in Brazil by Wood Art, circa 1960s. A beautiful piece in perfect restored condition.

Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Vintage Brazilian White Armchair and Ottoman, Jangada, 1968, Jean Gillon

Sold

H 32.29 in W 35.83 in D 40.95 in

Vintage Brazilian White Armchair and Ottoman, Jangada, 1968, Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Leuven , BE

This fabulous easy chair was designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, Brazil in 1962. This amazing chair is made of organic shaped Jacaranda wood and has a rope seat that resembles a fi...

Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Exotic Rosewood and Leather Brazilian Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon

Sold

H 32 in W 31 in D 36 in

Exotic Rosewood and Leather Brazilian Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon

By Jean Gillon

Located in Atlanta, GA

Exotic rosewood or jacaranda and leather Brazilian lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art, Brazil, circa 1960s. It retains it's original leather uphols...

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Chrome

Brazilian Stool Footrest Ottoman by Jean Gillon

Sold

H 15 in W 25 in D 24 in

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.

Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Sold

H 33 in W 34 in D 37 in

Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman

By Jean Gillon

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Jangarda Lounge chair and ottoman. Designed by Jean Gillon for Woodart/Brezil circa 1970. Exotic hardwood, leather and fishnet.

Category

1970s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Hardwood, Leather

Jean Gillon Ottoman with Rosewood Frame

Sold

H 16 in W 28 in D 15 in

Jean Gillon Ottoman with Rosewood Frame

By Jean Gillon

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This Ottoman by designer Jean Gillon was produced circa 1960. The piece has retained its finish and is stunning original condition and skillfully reupholstered in supple black leather.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Jean Gillon ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean Gillon ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ottomans and poufs by Jean Gillon were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the mid-20th century. Prices for Jean Gillon ottomans and poufs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,200 and can go as high as $24,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.

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