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Jean Gillon Sofas

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 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 ...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Brazilian Rosewood "Amazonas" Sofa by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Italma, Jean Gillon
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Cord, Rosewood

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 Sofas

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

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

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

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...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, 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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Hardwood

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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Hardwood, Rosewood, Nylon

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Jacaranda

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...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rope, Hardwood, Rosewood

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 Sofas

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 Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

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Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
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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 ...
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Brazilian Oak and Olive Green Leather 3-Seat Sofa, Jean Gillon
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A wonderful original matching 1970s Brazilian sofa attributed to Jean Gillon. This amazing comfortable 3-seater has a unique washed dark-grey oak frame and soft Brazilian leather cus...
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Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
By Coja Culemborg
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Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
$592
H 32.29 in W 55.12 in D 37.01 in
Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
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Located in İSTANBUL, TR
With its monolithic structure and its perfect integration with the floor it is on, the Sosa sofa offers an image that is different from the usual form and appearance that includes yo...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

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Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
Sosa Two Seater Brown Teddy Sofa
$5,980
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 33.86 in
Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 3-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, Made in 1970s
By Mogens Hansen, Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
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A classic Danish Mordern 3-seater sofa in brown leather, feets made in solid beech. Simple lines and a great comfort featured in this sofa. Designed by Stouby Møbelfabrik, Denmark. M...
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Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 2-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Mogens Hansen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern two-seater sofa upholstered in brown leather, resting on legs made from solid beech. With its clean lines, balanced proportions, and timeless comfort, the pie...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

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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 Sofas

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Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
$4,736
H 15.16 in W 27.96 in D 16.34 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...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

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 Sofas

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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 Sofas

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Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, Brazil, 1960s
$17,761
H 27.56 in W 41.34 in D 31.5 in
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 ...
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1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

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Leather, Hardwood

Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
Jean Gillon Paddle Arm Chairs Cognac Leather For Probel, 1960
$16,900 / set
H 31.5 in W 36.6 in D 38.2 in
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 Sofas

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Cowhide, Rosewood

Jean Gillon bench with magazine rack Italma Brazil 1965
Jean Gillon bench with magazine rack Italma Brazil 1965
$13,025
H 14.97 in W 50.4 in D 18.51 in
Previously Available Items
Rodeio Sofa in Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Modern
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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 Sofas

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1970’s Jean Gillon for Probel Brazilian Modernist Rosewood and Leather Sofa
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modernist Taupe Leather and Rosewood Sofa designed by Jean Gillon for Probel. 3 Taupe Leather cushions, single piece cushions, right and left include armrest which d...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

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Metal

1970s Jean Gillon Sofa And Ottoman from Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Jean Gillion for Italma of Brazil in the 1970s, this 'Tijuca'' sofa features a thick ivory leather cushion supported by an intricately woven st...
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20th Century Brazilian Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

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Leather

Jean Gillon Tijuca / Amazonas Leather and Rosewood sofa for Italma
By Jean Gillon, Italma
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...
Category

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

Materials

Rosewood

Jean Gillon Rodeio sofa Italma Woodart Brazil 1965
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Typical Brazilian modern sofa model 'Rodeio' designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart, Brazil 1965. This sofa features a sturdy rosewood frame in a rich brown-red hue. The sofa consists of black padded leather cushions and back straps, creating an elegant contrast. In its good original condition, the leather showcases a gentle patina which gives it its character. Named "Rodeo," the design has the imagery of a classic ranch. The rosewood frame can be interpreted as a fence of a ranch, while the black leather upholstery resembles a finely crafted horse-saddle. The leather straps skill-fully attached to the wooden frame. The armrests, curved over the wooden armrests, further show the saddle-like appearance. A standout feature of this sofa are its uniquely angled feet, providing an intriguing and distinctive aesthetic. The overall design captures the essence of a western ranch with its subtle yet striking details. Jean Gillon, originally from Romania and later a naturalized Brazilian, gained prominence as an architect-designer through his company Italma WoodArt. In the 1960s and 1970s, he crafted furniture collections using Brazilian rosewood. Gillon's early years involved living in various European cities, and after studying arts in Iași, he moved to Paris, where he engaged in cartooning and set design. His architectural studies took him to Vienna and later London, where he became a visiting lecturer. In 1956, Gillon and his wife Edith relocated to São Paulo, drawn by the vibrant Brazilian architecture scene. Initially focusing on architecture, Gillon shifted to furniture design in 1961, founding Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, later known as Italma WoodArt. By the mid-1960s, his WoodArt designs, especially lounge chairs and sofas made of rosewood and Brazilian leather, gained popularity in Brazil. In 1964, Gillon expanded globally, exporting his products to twenty-two countries. One of Gillon's notable designs was the Jangada Chair (1968), a lounge chair and ottoman inspired by a traditional Brazilian fishing...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil “Amazonas” Mid Century Sofa
By Jean Gillon
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil. ‘Amazonas’ Sofa Frame in Rosewood. No cushions. Labeled.
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

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...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Nylon, Faux Leather, Hardwood

Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Jean Gillon Rosewood Suede, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Rare Brazilian rosewood sofa by Jean Gillon from the 1960s. The sofa has been refinished but has original suede cushions. The buyer receiv...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Suede, Rosewood

Jean Gillon Distress Cognac Leather Sofa for Italma Wood Art
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jean Gillon distress cognac leather sofa for Italma wood art.
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Green Velvet Sofa by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Brussels, BE
Green velvet sofa by Jean Gillon for wood art, Brazil, 1960s.
Category

1960s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Sofas

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Amazonas Sofa by Jean Gillon
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pure Brazilian midcentury. Featuring a solid Brazilian rosewood frame and netted rope inspired by local fisherman. This sofa has a sleek design that look spectacular from any angle. This item is in original condition with the leather having been previously retouched. Jean Gillon Amazonas...
Category

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

Materials

Rope, Jacaranda, Rosewood

Midcentury Amazonas Armchairs and Sofa by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pure Brazilian midcentury design. Featuring a solid Brazilian rosewood frame and netted rope inspired by local fisherman having a sleek design that look spectacular from any angle. This rare set is in original condition with the leather having been previously retouched. Jean Gillon Amazonas...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Rope, Rosewood

Jean Gillon sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean Gillon sofas 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 sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas 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 sofas by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, and Móveis Cimo. Prices for Jean Gillon sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,760 and can go as high as $32,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,775.

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