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, 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
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
'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
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
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
Brazilian Modern Armchair with Wheels, Hardwood & Ultra Suede Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed for Brasília’s Palácio Itamaraty, which houses Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations, the Jimi armchair stands as a significant example of Brazilian modern desi...
Chrome
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
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
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
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
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
“Cuiaba” Set of of 4 Chairs in Hardwood and Fabric by Sergio Rodrigues, 1970’s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today in NYC with FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING included, this “Cuiaba” Set of of 4 Chairs in Hardwood and Fabric by Sergio Rodrigues, 1970’s is nothing less than the find of the year! The chairs have been restored and are in excellent condition. The frame of the chairs is made with Brazilian hardwood and the seat and backrest are made with fabric. The chairs have a very unique shape and look a lot different than traditional chairs. The base of the chairs is in a rectangular box shape and the backrest is angled back. The chairs are low which allows for a very comfortable seating. These chairs can be purchased with a dining table (Lot 478) that was also made by Sergio Rodrigues. The video showcases the incredible set. The Cuiaba chair...
Fabric, Hardwood
Vintage Eleh Bench by Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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
$3,100 / item
Kiko Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Sergio Rodrigues is a world-renowned furniture designer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who originated 1,200 designs, half of which were actually produced. His works are popular not onl...
Leather, Wood
$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
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
Bloch Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A particular characteristic in Brazilian mid-century furniture making was the practice of furnishing houses and commercial buildings in exchange for a special commission. This chair ...
Rosewood, Leather
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
Set of 8 Beg Armchairs by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1967
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of Eight Beg Armchairs, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1967 and produced by Oca, represents one of the designer's most refined executive seating designs. Originally conceived fo...
Leather, Wood
“Cuiaba” Dining Set in Hardwood & Ultrasuede, Sergio Rodrigues, 1970s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1970s, the Cuiabá dining set reflects the designer’s distinctive approach to Brazilian modernism—combining structural clarity, expressive joinery,...
Hardwood, Ultrasuede
Pair of Vivi Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
One of Sergio Rodrigues’ most elegant and understated designs, the Vivi armchairs reveal his talent for merging comfort with architectural clarity. Their low, grounded profile and pr...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chairs for Meia Pataca, 1963, Set of 2
By Sergio Rodrigues, Meia Pataca
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
$9,890 / 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
“Moleca” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1963 and produced for a single year, the “Moleca” lounge chair stands among Sergio Rodrigues’ most collectible and emblematic works. Constructed in robust Brazilian hardw...
Wood, Hardwood, Fabric
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
$2,881Sale Price / set|30% Off
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
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
$10,584 / set
Rare Sergio Rodrigues Cantu Dining Chairs
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Set of 4 Brazilian rosewood dining chairs design 1959 by Sergio Rodrigues The chairs are in good vintage condition.
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
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
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
Brazilian Modern Design- Sergio Rodrigues “Stella” Lounge Chair, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A solid bookshelf produced by Oca in the mid-1960s, designed by Sergio Rodrigues. This piece features mid-century design with clean lines and a focus on functionality. Made of solid ...
Wood, Rosewood
"Tonico" Sofa in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues — Brazil, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao 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 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
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
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
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
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
“Cuiaba” Dining Chair with Armrests in Hardwood & Fabric, Sergio Rodrigues, 1970
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in the 1970s, the Cuiabá dining chair with armrests reflects the designer’s continued exploration of structure, comfort, and expressive form....
Hardwood
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
Alex Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed in 1960, the Alex coffee table is among the most refined expressions of Sergio Rodrigues’ contribution to twentieth-century design. The sculptural base is composed of inters...
Glass, Wood
Vintage 'Mole' Solid Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Brazil
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, Rosewood
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
Tcheko Light, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los angeles, CA
Tcheko Light
Chrome
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
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 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
$23,400 / item
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A wooden credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca in the mid-1960s. Belonging to the mid-century modern movement that celebrated Brazilian design through native ...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Eleh bench made by OCA Brazil 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Presenting a larger than usual version of the Eleh bench, a distinguished creation by the renowned designer Sergio Rodrigues, manufactured by Oca in Brazil in 1965. This versatile pi...
Rosewood
$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 6 of “Marco” Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in the 1960s, the “Marco” chair reflects the designer’s disciplined approach to proportion, structural clarity, and material presence within ...
Leather, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Rangel Office Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Rangel desk was produced in the mid-1960s by master Sergio Rodrigues and his company, Oca. This design is one that marked the history of Brazilian furniture. Made of solid Rosewo...
Wood, 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 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
$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
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 Dining Chairs, Rosewood veneers, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Leather, Rosewood
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
Freijó Wood Bar Cart with Chrome Wheels by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, this bar cart reflects the designer’s ability to balance informality, material richness, and inventive function. Constructed from freijó ha...
Steel