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.
$21,600Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
'Mole' Sofa in Leather, By Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
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
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
Rosewood Three-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Brazilian Modern "Longarina" Auditorium Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed for auditorium and institutional settings in Brazil during the 1960s–70s, this pair of double Longarina seating units reflects the period’s emphasis on modularity, durabilit...
Iron
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 '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
"Tonico" Sofa in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues — Brazil, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Tonico sofa, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1962, exemplifies the harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist innovation that defines mid-century Brazilian desig...
Leather, Hardwood, Suede
Brazilian Modern Monumental Executive Desk in Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1959
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Monumental in scale and unmistakably architectural in presence, this Brazilian Modern executive desk by Sergio Rodrigues, dating to the 1960s, is an exceptional expression of the des...
Rosewood
Brazilian Midcentury - Sergio Rodrigues, Oca - Eleh Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
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 Round Wooden Dining Table "Stella" Oca mid-century Brazil 1956
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) Round dining table model “Stella” Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1956 Jacaranda wood, brass, iron Measurements 122 cm diameter x 73 height cm 48 in diamet...
Brass, Iron
Sergio Rodrigues Floor Lamp "Augusto" 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues Floor Lamp "Augusto" Manufactured by OCA Brazil, 1965 Chrome-plated steel, Jacaranda, Fabric Measurements Ø46×147hcm Ø 18,1 x 57,9h in Literature Sergio Rodrigues,...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Pair of "Beto" Armchairs in Rosewood, Chrome & Mohair, Sergio Rodrigues , 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958 by the legendary Brazilian architect and furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues, this exceptional pair of "Beto" armchairs represents one of the most refined expression...
Chrome
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
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
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
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
Brazilian Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1970's
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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
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
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
'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
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, 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
Mid-Century Modern Viana Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A low rectangular coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues, produced by Oca, Brazil, 1960s. The piece is constructed in rosewood with hardwood and rosewood veneer, presenting a thick slab to...
Wood, Rosewood
Beg Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Sage Green Leather, Brazil, 1967
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Beg Armchair, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1967 and produced by Oca, is one of the designer's most refined executive lounge chairs. Originally conceived for the conference room of...
Leather, Wood
$9,828 / set
Pair of Odilon Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Sergio Roberto Santos Rodrigues was a Brazilian carioca architect and designer. Along with Joaquim Tenreiro and José Zanine Caldas, Rodrigues was the Pio...
Fabric, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Merbella Stool, Solid Wood, Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, GB
The Merbella Stool by Sergio Rodrigues is a striking example of mid-century Brazilian design, embodying both sculptural boldness and ergonomic ingenuity. Designed in the 1960s, this ...
Wood
Brazilian Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1970's
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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 shine. It was completely restored. With label of the manufacture underneath. In 1955, Sergio Rodrigues created "Oca, the store that revolutionized the idea of furniture in Rio de Janeiro.(...) At first, Oca sold furniture...
Wood
Brazilian Mid Century Modern - Sergio Rodrigues OCA - “Luciana” Dresser, 1965
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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 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
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 "Lucio Costa" Dining Chairs for Oca, 1956, Set of 6
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 six. Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the ...
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
“Arimelo” Side Tables in Brazilian Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Arimelo side tables represent one of the earliest and most architecturally disciplined expressions of Sergio Rodrigues’ design philosophy. Conceived during the ...
Rosewood
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
Pair of Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A bold and architectural pair that captures Sergio Rodrigues’ command of volume, proportion, and comfort. The solid jacarandá uprights frame a generous upholstered seat and backrest,...
Upholstery, Rosewood
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
Mid-Century Modern Wood Center Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern wood center table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s Center table created in the 1960s by the acclaimed Brazilian designer...
Plywood, Hardwood
Daybed Luxor, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960's, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
The Luxor daybed is a true masterpiece of design, combining both comfort and elegance in a way that only Sergio Rodrigues could achieve. The frame is made of Brazilian hardwood, with...
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
Set of Six “Tião” Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1959
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1959, the “Tião” dining chair represents an early and highly disciplined expression of Sergio Rodrigues’ approach to Brazilian Modernism—where structural clarity, materia...
Faux Leather, Hardwood
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
Rosewood Dining table / Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, REDIG Brazil 1950's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist "Redig" dining table by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, 1950s. Table measures 55" W (closed) x 31"D. Retains it's original 16" "butterfly" self storing leaf. (...
Stainless Steel
'Franco' Lounge Chair with Headrest, by Sergio Rodrigues — Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
Eleh Bench by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Metal Bolts, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Eleh Bench, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in the 1960s, is a Brazilian modernist bench crafted from solid rosewood with exposed metal bolts. Its long, low profile ...
Wood
Kiko Armchair by BSergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A rare model from Rodrigues’ 1960s production, the Kiko armchair combines the warmth of Brazilian jacarandá with an industrial sensibility expressed through its visible metal fitting...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues, Cavoina, Cowhide, Four Cuiabá Dining Chairs, Brazil, 1985
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Stamford, CT
Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, Cavoina, Biege Cowhide, Four "Cuiabá" Dining or Side Chairs, Brazil, 1985 Set of four rare "Cuiabá" dining chairs designed by Sergio ...
Cowhide
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
Mucki Bench by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Originally designed circa 1958 and produced around 1965 by OCA Industrias Reunidas, the Mucki Bench by Sergio Rodrigues is a rare and versatile piece crafted in massive Brazilian woo...
Wood
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
Lucio Chair 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...
Wood, Cane
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
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid jacarandá (Brazilian rosewood), this bar cart reflects the measured functionality and material refinement characteristic of Brazilian mid-century design. Its rectili...
Hardwood
"Alex" Round Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Alex table is a rounded table made in solid Rosewood (Jacaranda), with both feet and top cross-shaped. Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014), this modern dining ta...
Rosewood
Paraty Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A refined expression of Rodrigues’ mastery of proportion and comfort, the Paraty sofa combines architectural clarity with inviting warmth. The gently curved backrest and subtly flare...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$3,960Sale Price / item|44% Off
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Jacarandá Dining Chair, Brasil, circa 1955
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Jacarandá Dining Chair Set of 4, Brasil, 1950s. Exceedingly rare set of 4. Appear to be all original. Original textile is faded and has some wear. Each chair with original label. Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda). Museum quality pieces by the father of Brazilian Modernism, Sergio Rodrigues. Stunning woodgrain. Original upholstery. Each chair Labelled with original Oca leather tag and paper label. See photos. Sergio Rodrigues is credited as the father of modern design in Brazil for having introduced a uniquely Brazilian formal vocabulary with his unique mix of thick and sturdy, “earthy” modernist style. Internationally recognized as one of Brazil's most influential modern designers, Rodrigues' most famous project is undoubtedly the Mole chair...
Textile, Jacaranda
Brazilian Modern Kilin Lounge Chairs in Leather & Jacaranda by Sergio Rodrigues
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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