The prolific architect and designer Sergio Rodrigues is often called the "father of modern Brazilian design," but it is the second adjective in that phrase that deserves emphasis: Rodrigues’s great achievement was to create furniture in a style that captured the spirit, character and personality of his country.
Modernity came slowly to 20th-century Brazil, politically and culturally. The nation finally realized genuine constitutional democracy in 1945, ushering in a new, progressive era in the arts. More often than not, the luxurious furnishings of that time and place, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, uniquely Brazilian quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American mid-century modernists and Scandinavian makers of the same era. Until that time in Brazil, heavy furniture based on historical European models had been the norm.
In the late 1940s, designer Joaquim Tenreiro introduced sleek, minimalist chairs and cabinets; José Zanine Caldas, now best known for his later artisanal work, created plywood furnishings for mass production; the Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi, a former editor for the Gio Ponti-founded magazine Domus — and a furniture designer with talent, imagination and a social conscience — set up shop in São Paulo, designing elegant, flexible chairs set on slim metal frames.
This was the heady scene into which Rodrigues, the son of an artistically prominent Rio de Janeiro family, arrived after graduating in 1952 from the national university. He moved to Curitiba and helped establish the furniture manufacturer Móveis Artesanal with Italian designer Carlo Hauner and Austrian architect Martin Eisler — as well as Carlo’s brother Ernesto Hauner — which eventually rebranded as Forma. Later, Rodrigues relocated to Rio de Janeiro where he founded Oca in 1955, a company that would become the preeminent maker and retailer of modernist furniture in Brazil.
When architects Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer were tasked in 1956 with the whirlwind project to plan, design and build the new capital, Brasília, in five years, they used Rodrigues’s early chairs, with their softly-contoured lines and caned seats and backrests, to furnish many of the buildings.
Rodrigues would realize the true expression of his talents in — and garner international awards and acclaim with — his Mole chair of 1957. The word mole means "soft" in Portuguese, but can be interpreted as "easygoing" or even "listless." The chair, which is also known as the Sheriff chair, features a sturdy, generously proportioned frame of the native South American hardwood jacaranda, upholstered with overstuffed leather pads that flap like saddlebags across the arms, seat, and backrest.
Rodrigues's Mole chair invites sprawling — perfect for the social milieu of the bossa nova and caipirinha cocktails; where a languorous afternoon spent chatting and joking is the apex of enjoyment. The seat won first prize at the IV Concorso Internazionale del Mobile in Cantù, Italy, in 1961, and ISA Bergamo acquired the rights to manufacture a modified version of Rodrigues’s original design.
In 1963, Rodrigues established a shop called Meia-Pataca, which sold simpler and more affordable furniture he had designed, such as his Tonico seating, which was intended for student housing.
Most of the estimated 1,200 armchairs, sofas, tables, storage cabinets and dining tables Rodrigues created in his long career are imbued, in one way or another, with the air of robust relaxation that defines the Mole chair. He was a designer who was true to the temperament of his people.
Find vintage Sergio Rodrigues furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Sergio Rodrigues, Coffee Table, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and marble coffee table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.0"H x 32.5"W x 32.5"D All items ship fr...
Marble
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Mole / Sheriff Chair and Ottoman, Jacaranda, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Culver City, CA
This chair and ottoman set is pure Brazilian modern magic — the kind of duo that doesn’t just complete a room, it defines it. With its sculptural Jacaranda frame, deep tufted cushion...
Leather, Jacaranda
"Sheriff" lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960S
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in bruxelles, BE
Dark brown leather and wood lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues. Model: Sheriff. Seat height: 38 cm. Wear due to time and the age of the lounge chair. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECE...
Leather, Wood
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa, Jacaranda Rosewood, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in ...
Leather, Jacaranda
$17,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues 'Kilin' Lounge Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, OCA, Brazil 1970s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and authentic pair of Kilin lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil, circa 1970s. These are original period examples, not later reproductions, crafted in sol...
Leather, Rosewood
Cantu Alta Dining Chair, Solid Wood Leather, in the style of Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of eight Cantu Alta dining chairs attributed to Sérgio Rodrigues, in the manner of his 1960s designs produced by Oca, tall back dining chairs in solid rosewood and veneers with l...
Leather, Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues Leather "Sheriff" Lounge Chair and Ottoman - All solid wood - with NO Cushions. Cushions can be custom made by most upholstery shops that...
Leather, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues, Nightstands, Rosewood, Metal, Glass, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rosewood, metal and glass "Yara" nightstands designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25.5"H x 20.5"W x 13.125"D All item...
Metal
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare signed example of the 'Mole' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, produced by OCA Brazil in the 1960s (see image gallery for a photo of the OCA stamp). This Mole sofa has an expansive am...
Rosewood, Leather
Sergio Rodrigues, Sideboard, Freijó, Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A Freijó wood and black leather sideboard or cabinet designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1965. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Leather, Wood
Poltrona Tonico by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Poltrona Tonico, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced by Oca, is a Brazilian modern lounge chair crafted from solid rosewood with leather upholstery. Its generous button...
Leather, Wood, Hardwood
1973 Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Armchairs in Freijo Wood & Leather by Oca, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of 'Kilin' armchairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca, Brazil., 1973. Designed by the renowned architect and designer, Sergio Rodrigues, these arm...
Leather, Wood
Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jangada armchair and ottoman designed by Jean Gillon in 1968 and produced by Italma WoodArt, a reclining lounge chair with a solid noble wood frame, a woven cord suspension and loose...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Desk and Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Clean Lined Rosewood Desk and Chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, circa 1960s. The chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Metal
Original Brazilian Design Mocho Stool by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1950s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Renens, CH
Sergio Rodrigues set the standard for Modern furniture in Brazil during the 1950s, his works have become a reference for Brazilian design, which often use indigenous wood species suc...
Wood, Walnut
Costela Armchair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Wood and Steel
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Costela armchair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in 1953, a lounge chair with a ribbed wood frame, a steel structure and upholstered cushions. The Costela, Portuguese for ...
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Red Lion, PA
"Sheriff" model. Solid pine, leather cover, leather straps. Design: Sergio Rodrigues, 1957. Manufacturer: Isa, Bergamo, Italy. Vintage condition
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair and Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Sergio Rodriguez Sheriff Chair and Ottoman were completely disassembled and each piece of rosewood was stripped, sanded and refinished in multiple coats of hand-buffed finishing...
Leather, Rosewood
Kilin Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Saddle Leather, Brazi
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kilin armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1973 and produced by Oca, a sculptural lounge chair in solid wood and saddle leather. The Kilin armchair pairs a curved, solid caviúna ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Modern “Amelia” Coffee Table in Rosewood & Chrome, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in structural restraint and material richness, the “Amelia” coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues exemplifies the architectonic clarity that defined Brazilian Modernism duri...
Chrome
Sergio Rodrigues 'Itamaraty' Desk or Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Itamaraty Desk or Table Rosewood Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Rosewood
Midcentury Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chairs, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Argelato, BO
An authentic icon of Mid-Century Brazilian design, the Sheriff armchair is one of the most important and beloved works of the Brazilian designer Sergi...
Leather, Wood
Oscar Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Cane, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mole armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1957 and produced by Oca, a defining lounge chair of Brazilian modern design in solid rosewood and thick saddle leather. The Mole armcha...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
$40,950Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Set of 10 Tião chair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Tião dining chairs are designed by Sergio Rodrigues during the 1960s and produced by Oca. This set of ten chairs is made of Rosewood with fabric upholstery. They combine aestheti...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Pair of Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A cornerstone of Rodrigues’ early career, the Oscar armchairs capture the essence of Brazilian modernism: organic warmth, impeccable craftsmanship, and an intuitive sense of comfort....
Cane, Rosewood
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare sofa model Mole Produced in Bra...
Jacaranda, Leather
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues Rosewood Daybed in Taupe Boucle, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), this rosewood daybed embodies the relaxed monumentality and material honesty that defined Brazilian modernism. Conceived as par...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modern, 1958 - "Mucki" bench in Rosewood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Mucki bench by Sérgio Rodrigues stands as an essential expression of Brazilian modern design—an era that fused architectural clarity with the warmth and soul of...
Hardwood, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa in Rosewood, Leather & Textured Fabric, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Brazilian Modernism, the Millor sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the designer’s enduring belief that comfort, craftsmanship, and material richness shou...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Mocho' Stool, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mocho Stool Wood Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
$25,900Sale Price / set|31% Off
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Jacaranda & Leather Cantu Chairs, c 1959 Brazil, Signed
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An important set of six (6) Jacaranda Rosewood 'Cantu' dining chairs by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Arquitetura e Interiores in original leather, signed with labels and Brazilian tax st...
Granite
Set of 10 Cantu Dining Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood & Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of ten Cantu dining chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, crafted in solid Brazilian rosewood with original faux leather upholstery. The chairs feature elongate...
Hardwood, Faux Leather
1960s Mid Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazilian Rosewood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and highly functional Brazilian modern credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues, dating to the 1960s. Crafted from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), the piece exemplifies ...
Rosewood
Lounge chair with Ottoman "Sheriff" by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in bruxelles, BE
Lounge chair with ottoman in black leather and wood by Sergio Rodrigues. Model: Sheriff. ISA stamped. Seat height: 37 cm. Ottoman dimensions: H: 38 cm W: 60 cm D: 60 cm. Wear due to ...
Leather, Wood
Pair of “Lucio Costa” Chairs in Hardwood & Caning by Sergio Rodrigues, 1956's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in 1956, the “Lucio Costa” chair (model CD-7) marks an important moment in the development of modern Brazilian furniture. The design emerged ...
Hardwood
$19,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern pair of Nightstands by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A pair of solid bedside tables produced by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca in the 1960s. Made of solid Rosewood with Rosewood veneers, these small side tables combine form with functionalit...
Chrome
Sergio Rodrigues, Unique ‘Bloch Editores’ Dining Table, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A unique one-off dining table designed by Sergio Rodrigues for the Bloch Editores building in 1965. Executed in rosewood with distinctive brass sabots and exposed brass detailing thr...
Brass
Vintage 'Mole' Rosewood Armchair with Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues created the "Mole'' concept between 1956 and 1957 at the photographer Otto Stupakoff's request, who wanted a two-seater sofa for his studio. The sofa should have cus...
Leather, Rosewood
Clara Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
'Clara' Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, features beautifully grained Brazilian Caviona Wood, Aluminum, and signature trestle base with six drawers. Produced in circa 1960s...
Aluminum
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanned...
Pine
$20,475Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Created by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1956, the Oscar armchair was an homage to Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), one of the most important Brazilian architects in modern architecture...
Straw, Rosewood
“Moleca” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Rosewood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare example of the Moleca lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced exclusively that year. The model represents a pivotal moment ...
Leather, Hardwood, Wood
Brazilian Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1970's
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Lisboa, PT
This side table was designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, in Brazil during the 1970's. Is is made of mutenye wood, with a simple design that makes the beauty of the wood ...
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues, Pair of Vintage High-Back 'Cantu' Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of High-Back 'Cantu' Chairs Rosewood, Leather Brazil, 1960s
Leather, Hardwood
Rosewood Three-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chairs for Oca, 1956, Set of 2
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" dining chairs for Oca, wood and Vienna straw, Brazil, 1956, set of two. Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the ...
Wood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Tables in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side tables, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanne...
Pine
Three-Panel Screen in Rosewood & Upholstered Fabrics by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A rare and visually commanding Brazilian modern screen designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, exemplifying the designer’s ability to merge architectural presence with tactile ric...
Hardwood, Ultrasuede, Cotton
Sergio Rodrigues, Franco armchair in wood, headrest brazillian modern design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Pair of “Franco” Lounge Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues – Icons of Modern Brazilian Design (1963) We are pleased to offer an original pair of the iconic “Franco” lounge chairs, designed ...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, coffee table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Kilin Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, 1973
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1973 and produced by Oca, the Kilin armchair is composed of two sides and two crosspieces, with the back and seat made from a unique piece...
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Rosewood Bed by Unknown Designer, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
In the 1960s in Brazil, furniture with modern design gained more space within the intimate areas of homes, especially bedrooms. The architecture and decoration magazines started to s...
Rosewood, Cane
Dining Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues for Bloch, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues and Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch Editors, São Paulo, c. 1950s. Commissioned for the broadcaster’s headquarters, this suite exemplifies the utilitarian refi...
Leather, Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Dining Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
$17,000 / set
Pair of Beto Armchairs, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los angeles, CA
Designed in 1958, the 'Beto' armchair pays heed to the slender lines, geometry, and stainless steel materials of the 1950's. Common in many of Rodrigues' pieces, the "Beto" includes ...
Steel
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Barstool in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, barstool, pine, leather, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that ...
Leather, Pine
Sergio Rodrigues, Set Of Twelve High-Back Rosewood Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Set of Twelve High-Back Dining Chairs From the Bloch Editores Building Rosewood, Upholstery Brazil, 1965
Upholstery, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues 'Burton' Dining Table in Rosewood 1958 Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Rosewood 'Burton' Table 206cm / 256 cm (extended) Brazil, 1958
Hardwood
$1,475 / set
Sergio Rodriguez Barstools 1970's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Marbella bar stools from Conform Manuform, Spain 1970s. Construction made of colored beech, and the seat has the shape of the letter T which provides amazing comfort and s...
Beech