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.
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Stools in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
'Marbella' Bar stools by Sergio Rodrigues for Confonorm Spain 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Confonorm
Located in Den Haag, NL
Set of 4 beathiful so called 'Marbella' Bar stools Three-legged stools in stained beechwood with circular metal footrests, the T-shaped seat features three handles. Well made, sturd...
Beech
$18,180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Sergio Rodrigues armchairs, Brazilian design 1960's
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Milano, IT
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, Wood
$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
$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
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
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
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
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
$22,500 / set
1973 Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Armchairs 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
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
$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
Mid-Century Modern set of 6 dining Bloch Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous set of 6 dining chairs designed in 1964 by Sergio Rodrigues for the headquarters of Bloch Editores S.A. A particular characteristic of Brazilian mid-century furni...
Leather, Rosewood
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
$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
$25,900Sale Price / set|31% Off
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Jacaranda & Leather Cantu Chairs, c 1959 Brazil, Signed
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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 Low Table/ Bench
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sergio Rodrigues Low Table/ Bench Executed in Jacaranda Wood for OCA Exotic grain pattern Understated and elegant details to the leg structure complete the design
Jacaranda
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
$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 “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
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
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
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
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Tables in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
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
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 Modern Pair of Sergio Rodrigues “Yara” Jacarandá Side Tables, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Sergio Rodrigues’ architectural restraint, the “Yara” side tables distill structure, proportion, and material integrity into a compact yet powerful form. Designe...
Chrome
Pair of Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Armchairs, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic pair of Tonico armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, designed in the 1960s and representative of the warmth and structural elegance that define Brazilian modern design. Crafted i...
Leather, Hardwood
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 '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
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of Brazilian Rosewood & White Marble Side Tables, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and architecturally grounded pair of side tables designed by Sergio Rodrigues, one of the most important figures in Brazilian modern design. Executed in richly grained Braz...
Marble
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
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
Sergio Rodrigues Mid-century Modern Brazil Chairs, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of modernist chairs by the pioneer of Carioca design Sérgio Rodrigues, in ebonized beech wood covered in velvet. The chairs synthesize a unique combination of Shaker, De Stijl a...
Velvet, Beech
“Arimelo” Side Tables in Brazilian Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Arimelo side tables by Sergio Rodrigues are rare and highly significant examples of his early production, representing a formative moment in the development of ...
Hardwood
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
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
$32,700 / set
Lia Lounge Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1962 by Sergio Rodrigues, the Lia fauteuil embodies the expressive clarity that defines modern Brazilian design. Created originally for the restaurant of the Edifício Man...
Leather, Wood, 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, 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 Dining Chairs, Rosewood veneers, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
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
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
Pair of "Kilin" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 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
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
'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
"Vronka" Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues — Brazil, 1952
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Part of the furniture line of the company "Meia Pataca", created by Sérgio Rodrigues with the intention of producing Brazilian industrial furniture, the Vronka armchair was conceived...
Wood
"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
"Kilin" Brazilian Midcentury Armchair 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...
Wood, Leather
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
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
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
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
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Slatted 'Mucki' Bench, LinBrasil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mucki Bench Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
“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
$26,000 / set
Pair of Tonico Rosewood Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of vintage rosewood lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made by Oca for Meia Pateca in Brazil, circa 1963. Modeled as "Tonico", these chairs were constructed with soli...
Fabric, 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 “Burton” Dining Table in Freijó & Polished Black Stone, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and early example of Sergio Rodrigues’ celebrated “Burton” model, designed in 1958 for Oca, this dining table captures the architectonic boldness that defined B...
Stone, Brass
'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
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