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 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 '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
Mid-Century Modern Tonico Armchair w/ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Tonico Armchair by the Brazilian Designer Sergio Rodrigues, 1960's This beautiful Tonico lounge chair by the acclaimed designer Sergio Rodrigues is structured in ...
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
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
$14,200Sale Price / set|21% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Set of 6 Brazilian Modern Dining Chairs in Rosewood, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and sculptural set of six dining chairs by Brazilian modernist Sergio Rodrigues, produced during the 1950s. These chairs feature tall, expressive backrests and finely craft...
Rosewood, Fabric
$27,000Sale Price|20% 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
$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 ...
Chrome
$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 ‘Kilin' Lounge Chair in Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1970's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Sergio Rodrigues ‘Kilin' Lounge Chair in Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1970's This lounge chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, shows his distinctive approach to form and structure. Craf...
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
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1956 Named after Oscar Niemeyer, this armchair features the iconic curves and sinuous lines characteristic...
Cane, Wood
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
Brazilian Modern "Mucki" Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1958
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
$26,700Sale Price / set|29% 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
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
Lounge chair with Ottoman "Sheriff" by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Mocho' Stool, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mocho Stool Wood Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Stools in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, stools, pine, leather, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that sp...
Pine, Leather
Sergio Rodrigues Set of Six 'Bloch Editores' Dining Chairs
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Dining Chairs from the Bloch Editores building Priced as set of Six (two sets available) Wood, Upholstery 1965
Upholstery, Hardwood
$20,500 / set
Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Armchairs by Oca, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 'Kilin' armchairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured in 1973 by Oct, Brazil. Freijo, leather. Manufactured by Oca, Brazil. These are made from Freijo and Leathe...
Wood, Leather
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 “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, 1963
By Meia Pataca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, leather and wood, Brazil, 1963 Designed in 1963 for Meia Pataca, the “Tonico” is Sergio Rodrigues at his most direct: a low w...
Leather, Wood
$21,308Sale Price|20% Off
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, 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
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chairs for Meia Pataca, 1963, Set of 2
By Meia Pataca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chairs for Meia Pataca, 1963, Set of 2 Designed in 1963 for Meia Pataca, the “Tonico” is Sergio Rodrigues at his most direct: a low wooden rig that ...
Leather, Wood
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1968
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed circa 1968 by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, this large-scale bookshelf exemplifies the designer’s architectural approach to furniture, where structure, proportion, a...
Hardwood
'Mole' Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1957, this iconic Mole lounge chair embodies the essence of Brazilian mid-century modernism. Featuring a solid rounded jaca...
Leather, Wood
Set of 12 Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues for Bloch, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed during the height of Brazil’s postwar modernist optimism, this rare set of twelve chairs was created for the headquarters of Bloch Editors, one of the most influential Brazi...
Leather, Hardwood
“Moleca” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The "Moleca" lounge chair is an iconic piece of Brazilian design history, created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1963. This remarkable object highlights Rodrigues's inventive style, combinin...
Wood, Hardwood, Fabric
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
“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
Set of 10 Cantu Dining Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Hardwood & 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
Pair of Armchairs “Kilin” in Hardwood and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
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 cross pieces of Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda, with...
Leather, Hardwood
Lounge Chair 'Tonico' by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
"Tonico" lounge chair and ottoman set, designed by Sergio Rodrigues around 1963, a remarkable piece of Brazilian modernist design. Crafted from stained freijó wood, the structure is ...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$12,500Sale Price|30% 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
Pair of bar stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in København K, DK
Pair of 2 elegantly carved Brutalist "Marbella" bar stools by Confonorm. Stools have 3 legs, saddle-like seats and iron foot rests. Good original condition.
Iron
Tonico Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Iconic Tonico Sofa, designed by the legendary Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960's. Excellent quality and masterfully crafted. Solid Jacaranda hardwood frame upholstered in green Brazilia...
Leather, Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues Eleh Jacaronda Coffee Table or Bench, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Rodrigues Eleh Jacaronda coffee table or bench, Brazil, 1965. "Eleh" model from the "Arcos" series, Made by Oca, Brazil, 1965. Jacaranda (Brazili...
Jacaranda
Pair of Easy Chairs and Stool in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs and Stool in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare pair of...
Jacaranda, Leather
Vintage Eleh Bench by Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
The Eleh bench is a furniture piece from the 1960s designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1914-2012). Its structure is composed of a veneered wood box covered with R...
Rosewood
Vintage "Kiko" Rosewood Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Made in Jacarandá rosewood, this Sergio Rodrigues piece has originally upholstered in yellow leather, circular chrome accents, and chrome casters. This chair was created to furnish t...
Leather, Rosewood
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
Brazilian Modern “Diz” Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Victoria, BC
Newly available, we're thrilled to offer this rare Brazilian lounge chair designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the early 2000s. With its sweeping angles and smooth, flowing lines, it’s an...
Wood
'Vronka' Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues in Wood and Fabric, Brazil, 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Uithoorn, NL
The 'Vronka' chair by Sergio Rodrigues from the 1960s showcases a straightforward, structured design. Its frame is constructed from wood, with broad, flat arms that extend outward fr...
Metal
Moleca Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Moleca" lounge chair is a significant piece of Brazilian design history, created in 1957 by master designer Sergio Rodrigues. It is a beautiful example of Rodrigues's unique and...
Wood
'Mole' Sofa in Leather, By Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The 'Mole' sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, is not only an iconic piece of mid-20th century Brazilian furniture but also a crowning achievement in the designer's illustrious caree...
Leather, Hardwood
'Stella' Lounge Chair, by Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Stella" lounge chair, a creation of Sergio Rodrigues from 1956, is a symphony of timeless elegance and meticulous design. At first glance, its plush upholstery, reminiscent of s...
Other
Pair of ‘Lia’ Armchairs by Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1962, Jacaranda and Cowhide
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful pair of Lia armchairs in very good condition. Designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in Brazil in 1962. The frame of these chairs is fabricated from sol...
Cowhide, Leather, Jacaranda, Rosewood
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
$1,513 / 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
Sergio Rodrigues, Dining table "Ilidio", wood, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Model table 'Ilidio' created in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues. This table presents itself as a summary of the style of Sergio Rodrigues, who made him "the most Brazilian designer". It is ...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues, Console Table, Wood, Formica, Brazil, 1980s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted wood and white formica "Cuiabá" console table designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1980s Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25"H x 70.75"W x 10.0"D All ...
Formica, Wood
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
Mid Century Brutalist "Marbella" Bar Stools by Sergio Rodrigues Circa 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Gloucester, GB
Mid Century Brutalist "Marbella" Bar Stools by Sergio Rodrigues Circa 1970s - Price is for set of 2 - Solid beech - Steel footrests - Designed by Sergio Rodrigues - Produced by Con...
Steel
Clara Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
Pair of “Paraty” Lounge Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic pair of “Paraty” lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues, one of the most celebrated names in Brazilian Modernism. With its original fabric upholstery, these pieces exem...
Hardwood
'Franco' Lounge Chairs with headrest, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Franco" lounge chairs, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, stand as a distinct representation of Brazilian mid-century design. These chairs are characterized by their robust solid har...
Leather, Hardwood
$11,200Sale Price|25% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
Vintage 'Mole' Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Wood