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.
'Mole' armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
'Mole' armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s The Mole Armchair is a classic design by Sergio Rodrigues from the 1960s. This original period example remains in its original con...
Leather, Wood
$16,625Sale Price / set|24% 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
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
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
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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 Kilin Armchairs in Freijo Wood & Leather, Mid-Century, 1970s
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, Freijó
$1,412 / 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
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
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
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
Oscar Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood 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 wood and thick saddle leather. The Mole armchair, ...
Leather, Wood
Kilin Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1973, the Kilin chair has become one of the most celebrated icons of Brazilian design. Combining a solid timber structure with a suspended leather sli...
Rosewood
Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood 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
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
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 in the style of Sérgio Rodrigues, in the manner of his 1960s designs produced by Oca, tall back dining chairs in solid wood and veneers with lea...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Modern Design- Sergio Rodrigues “Stella” Lounge Chair, 1956
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Iconic “Stella” lounge chair designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1956 and produced by OCA, Brazil. Considered one of Rodrigues’ early upholstered designs, the Stella already reveals many...
Fabric, Wood, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
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
Sergio Rodrigues, Dining Table, "Alex", c. 1960. Solid Wood and Glass
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this "Alex" model table is a reference in the designer's style. With its solid wood structure composed of a large central pillar with a square s...
Metal
1959 Sergio Rodrigues High-Backed Cantu chair by Oca, Brazil.
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Sergio Rodrigues High-Backed Cantu chair manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1959. The Cantu chair is a celebrated piece of Brazilian mid century modernist d...
Leather
$11,305Sale Price|37% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Modern Rosewood Executive Desk, c 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exotic Brazilian Rosewood 'Clara' executive desk by Sergio Rodrigues, circa 1960s, features beautifully grained Jacaranda Rosewood, signature trestle base with four drawers. The...
Rosewood
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...
Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues, ‘Nelson’ Wall Shelving System, Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues ‘Nelson’ Wall Shelving System The ‘Nelson’ wall shelving system, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, combines richly figured rosewood shelves with slender metal supports ...
Leather, Rosewood
$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
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Mocho' Stool, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mocho Stool Wood Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
Brazilian Mid Century Modern - Sergio Rodrigues OCA - “Luciana” Dresser, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in São Paulo, SP
Rare “Luciana” dresser designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1965 and produced by OCA, Brazil. The piece is an important example of Rodrigues’ mid-century production and reflects the desig...
Wood, Hardwood
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
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
Sergio Rodrigues, Queen Bed, Rosewood & Cane, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Queen Bed Rosewood & Cane Brazil, 1950s Offered by RAFA gallery
Cane, Rosewood
$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, 'Slatted 'Mucki' Bench, LinBrasil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mucki Bench Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
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 “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
Brazilian Midcentury - Sérgio Rodrigues OCA: rare 1956 Paola Stool in solid wood
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Super rare “Paola” stool designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1956, one of the most uncommon and collectible pieces from the designer’s early production. The piece reflects the beginning ...
Cowhide, Wood, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Kilin Lounge Chairs in Leather & Jacaranda by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of iconic "Kilin" lounge chairs originally designed by Sérgio Rodrigues for his workshop, Oca in 1973 (these examples were manufactured between 1974-1983, Brazil). Every element...
Leather, Jacaranda
“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 Modern Set of Ten Cantu Dining Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
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...
Faux Leather, Rosewood
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
$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
Sergio Rodrigues Arimello Coffee Table in Imbuia, LinBrasil Edition, circa 2000
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, BR
Arimello coffee table designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1958, in this edition produced by LinBrasil in Brazil circa 2000, with a base in solid imbuia wood and a removable top in lamina...
Laminate, Imbuia
$10,700Sale Price|28% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This innovative bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues was crafted in circa 1960 from Brazilian Rosewood with contrasting white formica interior, made in Brazil and recently imported to the states. Fully restored and ready to be used and cherished immediately. A highly sought-after collectors piece, this dry bar / trolley features a flip-top which becomes a usable platform...
Formica, Rosewood
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
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
$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
"Tonico" Three-Seat Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Tonico three-seat sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues around 1963, is a masterpiece of Brazilian modernist design. Its stained freijó wood frame provides a strong yet elegant fou...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Jacaranda + Leather ‘Sheriff’ Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 - 2 Avail
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic ‘Sheriff’ lounge chair by renowned Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues. This chair design was originally created as a commission in 1957 for photographer Otto Stupakoff and...
Leather, Wood
Odilon 3-Seat Sofa in Rosewood & Sage Celadon Velvet, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Odilon sofa, a lesser-known model by Sergio Rodrigues, reveals the designer’s sensitivity to proportion, material, and everyday comfort. Its elongated silhouette brings together ...
Velvet, Rosewood
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, 'Bloch Editores' Wardrobe, Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Wardrobe for 'Bloch Editores' Rosewood, Brazil, 1965 Offered by RAFA gallery
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Rosewood Wall Mirror
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Rodrigues design wall mirror. Superb quality construction made from solid Brazilian rosewood in excellent condition.
Rosewood
Brazilian Midcentury - Sergio Rodrigues, Oca - Eleh Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Rare “Eleh” bench / coffee table designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1965 and produced by OCA, Brazil. A refined and versatile example of Brazilian modern furniture, the piece reflects R...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Mocho Stools by Sergio Rodrigues, 1954
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Mocho stool is one of the most important pieces designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954, before founding the Oca store. This pair is made of solid Rosewood in very good vintage cond...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern “Kilin” Armchairs in Rosewood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Among the most celebrated and instantly recognizable designs of Brazilian Modernism, the Kilin armchair embodies Sergio Rodrigues’ unique ability to unite sculptural form, exceptiona...
Leather, Rosewood
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 Luciana Chest of Drawers in Brazilian Rosewood, Oca, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, BR
Luciana chest of drawers designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in Brazil, circa 1960, with a case veneered in Brazilian rosewood (jacaranda) and legs in solid jacaranda. ...
Jacaranda
Mid-Century Modern "Janete" Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Janete side table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s. The Janete side tables, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, have a simple yet elegant design. Made of solid wood, ...
Metal
Vintage Mucki Bench in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1958, Brazilian Midcentury
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958 by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) and manufactured by Oca, the Mucki bench is an incredible and versatile piece – ideal for different kinds ...
Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
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
Sergio Rodrigues, 1959. Eight Tiao chairs in Rosewood (2 armchairs + 6 chairs)
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and quietly sculptural set of eight Tião dining chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, executed in richly grained Brazilian rosewood and newly upholstered in a soft, textural bouclé. ...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Brazil, 1978
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood lounge chairs or armchairs designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1978. Very light scratching on backrest of one chair and arm of the other. Refinished...
Wood
Jacaranda "Poltrona Moleca" Mischevious Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Montreal, QC
Jacaranda "Poltrona Moleca" Mischevious lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues.
Jacaranda