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, Solid wood coffee table. c. 1960. Label of the Probel workshop
By Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
The coffee table designed by Jean Gillon is a remarkable piece in solid wood, with a thick removable top with square cutouts in the corners. This feature adds a touch of sophisticati...
Hardwood
Restored Expansive Desk in Jacaranda, Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art, Brazil, 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modern executive desk, designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma in Brazil during the late 1960s, exemplifies luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted...
Jacaranda
Very rare brazillian Jean Gillon coffee table
By Jean Gillon
Located in BE
Very rare brazillian Jean Gillon coffee table An extremely rare ceramic coffee table by Jean Gillon. Jean Gillon designed this coffee table in the 1960s in...
Wood
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Jean Gillon Probel Coffee Table
By Jean Gillon
Located in Washington, DC
Coffee table designed by Brazilian master Jean Gillon for Probel. Contains manufacturer's label.
Wood
Rosewood Dining Table by Jean Gillon, Italma, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
This fantastic dining table was designed in the 1960s by Jean Gillon (1919-2007), a Romanian-born architect, artist, and designer who landed in Brazil in 1956. The piece has a solid Rosewood structure, with a veneered top and extensions that comfortably accommodate six to ten seats. Gillon created an extensive and varied production of furniture, drawings, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, costumes, and scenarios for theater. In 1961, he opened his own company to manufacture furniture, Cidam, a company that came to be called WoodArt. In addition to this brand, other Brazilian furniture...
Rosewood
Jean Gillon - Italma - 1960s executive desk table in wood labeled 6 drawers
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in São Paulo, SP
This rare executive desk, designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma in the early 1970s in Brazil, is a stunning representation of mid-century modern furniture. Measuring 2.0...
Metal
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in the 1960s by Jean Gillon, this rare coffee table exemplifies the sculptural language that distinguishes Brazilian modern furniture of the period. The composition is defin...
Wood
Stunning desk table in Brazilian Rosewood by Jean Gillon for Italma Woodart.
By Jean Gillon
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
This stunning and rare vintage desk, designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1965, exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship that define mid-century ...
Rosewood
$4,520Sale Price / set|52% Off
Jean Gillon Pair of Probel Side Tables
By Jean Gillon
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful pair of side tables by Brazilian master Jean Gillon, designed for Probel.
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Desk by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s
Wood
Jean Gillon desk in rosewood for Italma Woodart, 1960s
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
This exquisite rosewood desk is a standout creation by celebrated Brazilian designer Jean Gillon, crafted in the 1960s by Italma WoodArt — a prestigious manufacturer recognized for i...
Rosewood
Teak Writing Executive Desk Denmark Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This streamlined desk features three left-side drawers and a right-hand storage cabinet. Elevated on tapered legs, its compact form provides excellent functionality. Crafted in Denma...
Teak
1960s Danish executive desk by Christian Moller
Located in London, Lambeth
This is a mid-century Danish teak executive desk by Christian Møller for Chr. Møller Møbelsnedken from the 1960s, featuring sculpted bow-tie drawer pulls and a floating leg construct...
Teak
$4,750
H 65 in W 29.25 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Executive Desk Styled After Florence Knoll, 1960s
By Florence Knoll
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern walnut executive desk inspired by the iconic designs of Florence Knoll and manufactured in the United States during the 1960s. This beautifully proportioned desk c...
Steel, Chrome
$2,155
H 28.2 in W 59 in D 29.5 in
Henning Kjaernulf Oak Executive Desk with 6 Drawers MCM Denmark 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A substantial oak desk by Henning Kjaernulf pairs a broad rectangular top with two banks of three drawers. Sculpted drawer fronts, ring pulls, turned legs, and low side stretchers gi...
Oak
Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Desk desk in wood and steel, 1930s Desk in briar wood. Under the rectangular top, there are a column of three rectangular drawers with round chromed steel handles and a l...
Metal
Jean Gregorieff ceramic and steel coffee table, 1960s-70s
By Jean Gregorieff
Located in MADRID, ES
This mid-century modern coffee table is a striking example of French furniture design from the 1960s and 1970s. Attributed to the designer Jean Gregorieff and manufactured for the pr...
Steel
$2,379Sale Price|41% Off
H 17.13 in W 23.82 in D 47.64 in
Very Rare Maison Charles Directoire Coffee Table
By Maison Charles
Located in Munich, DE
Very rare pieces of furniture in very good condition. Steel and brass. we can offer a few different pieces of the directoire range.
Metal
1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk Bring refined Scandinavian craftsmanship into your home with this exceptional Danish modern teak writing desk, designed and built in Denmark during t...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk with Bookcase, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Danish modern teak executive desk embodies the thoughtful craftsmanship and functionality that made Scandinavian furniture of the 1960s so enduring. Beautifully constructed in D...
Brass
$1,540
H 28.35 in W 59.06 in D 39.38 in
Dining Table in Rosewood with Extensions Designed by Arne Vodder from the 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Lejre, DK
This dining table in rosewood, designed by Arne Vodder in the 1960s, epitomizes the elegance and craftsmanship characteristic of Danish mid-century modern design. Crafted from luxur...
Rosewood
1960's Executive Desk from Denmark
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Executive desk from Denmark circa mid-1960s now available. This example has matte black iron legs, open back for additional storage, interior and exterior drawers and original brass ...
Steel
$1,803Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in Dm 43.31 in
Dining table Made In Rosewood, Danish design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This dining table, crafted from rosewood and bearing the unmistakable hallmarks of Danish design, originates from the 1960s. With its rich tones and sleek lines, it embodies the ele...
Rosewood
Sold
H 14.97 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Coffee Table in Jacaranda Wood and Glass by Jean Gillon — Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Square coffee table in solid rosewood and glass, with two support surfaces. Rare piece, already restored and ready for delivery.
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 14.18 in W 22.84 in D 14.18 in
Mid century Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Marble, Jean Gillon, 1960s, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
What makes this coffee table unique is its sleek design, iconic to Jean Gillon. The legs are shaped like stakes, a signature feature seen in many of Gillon’s pieces, particularly in ...
Marble
Jean Gillon dinner table Italma Woodart Brazil 1965
By Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare small dinner or game table designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1965 exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship that define mid-century B...
Rosewood
Jean Gillon coffee table, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Design Jean Gillion. Produced during the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.
Rosewood
Sold
H 7.09 in W 33.47 in D 26.38 in
Solid Wood Side Table, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Mid-Century Design Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The side table designed by Jean Gillon, a prominent figure in Brazilian mid-century modern design, showcases the elegant simplicity and innovative use of materials characteristic of ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 16.93 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Brazilian Coffee Table with 4 Nesting Stools by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
By Jean Gillon
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This elegant square coffee table with 4 nesting stools was designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art in Brazil in the 1960s. The coffee table is handmade of Jacaranda wood with a nice pa...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Modern Side Table set in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian modern side table set in Hardwood designed by Jean Gillon in the 1960’s is nothing less than spectacular. Sizes: - Side Tables: H14.6, W25.6, D25.6 (in) H37, W65, D65 (cm) The entire set is made in Brazilian Rosewood (known as Jacaranda) and Rosewood leaf of the finest quality as it can be seen on the wood veins and grain. Each table consists of four legs and a tabletop. Sold as a set of three. The set has all the fun aspects of a bold Brazilian Modern piece: Clean and straight lines, exuberant Brazilian Jacaranda. A set like this could flex into any Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Contemporary, Transitional, or even Hollywood Regency environment. The gorgeous set is showcased in our gallery together with a sofa by Cimo in Leather and fabric and the convo looks stellar! (Image attached). The last images are vintage and contemporary publications, including Jean Gillon’s book. About the author, Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied 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...
Hardwood, Wood
Sold
H 15.5 in W 26 in D 20 in
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Marble, Jean Gillon, 1968, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, in solid Rosewood and Marble designed by Jean Gillon in the 60s is nothing less than spectacular! What makes this coffee table so special is the sleek design iconic from Jean Gillon. The “stake” shape of the legs is seen in many of Gillon’s pieces, specially in the Rodeio collection. Attached images from Jean Gillons book featuring the iconic "Rodeio" collection including stools, coffee table, armchairs and sofa. This coffee table is so awesome that it looks fantastic in any furniture set we match it with. Currently the coffee table is showcased with a “Concha” set (Sofa, Armchairs) from Joaquim Tenreiro and it looks stellar. This piece would look incredible in any modern, Mid-Century Modern or contemporary environment. This piece would also look wonderful in a boho chic, or Hollywood Regency style home. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied 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...
Marble
Midcentury Brazilian Drop-Leaf Table by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this fantastic side table or entry way table, or even a small desk by Jean Gillon made of native hardwood Jangada (a type of Bolivian rosewood). Featuring a...
Jacaranda, Rosewood
Side Table in Jacaranda by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Side table in jacaranda by Jean Gillon.
Jacaranda
Parquet 1960s Brazilian Jacaranda Desk by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 1960s jacaranda desk by Jean Gillon with parquet top and six drawers.
Jacaranda