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.
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
Midcentury Modern Console in Hardwood & Chrome Wheels. Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Executed in solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), this console reflects the material richness and structural clarity that define mid-century Brazilian modern design. The composition ...
Chrome
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
Daybed Luxor, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960's, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao 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
50's Dressing table with drawers, Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite chest of dressing table was expertly crafted in the 1950s by the esteemed Brazilian manufacturer, Móveis Cimo. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and ex...
Wood
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues in Lacquered Wood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian modern "Augusto" round coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1991 Black lacquered wood and marble top Sergio and Adolpho were already old acquaintances when, in 1991, the entr...
Marble
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
$8,960Sale Price|20% Off
Azen Rosewood Mirror, Designed by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Azen Mirror is an icon of Brazilian Mid-century design, created by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca in 1965, the piece is made from a solid Rosewood frame with chromed de...
Chrome
Bookcase 'Adolpho' by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cabinet designed by Sergio Rodrigues and crafted by OCA in Brazil during the 1960s. This timeless piece embodies the essence of mid-century modern design with its rich jacaranda wood...
Leather, Wood
Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side desk is a mid-20th century Brazilian furniture piece designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made with Freijó wood. Freijó is a type of timber that is often used in Brazilian furnitu...
Hardwood
$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
Rosewood Three-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Round Mirror in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues - OCA - Brazil, c.1960 - Beautiful mirror in solid rosewood and beveled crystal. Mirror in good condition. The wood has been expertly refinished and boasts beautiful...
Hardwood
Slatted Coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Jabour
By Jorge Jabour, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Jabour and Sergio Rodrigues for the offices of Manchete TV and Editora in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Sergio Rodrigues's most important commissions...
Rosewood
“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
Bar Cart in Brazilian Rosewood (Jacarandá) by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in proportion and materiality, this bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the sculptural restraint that defines Brazilian modernism of the 1960s. Executed in richly fig...
Hardwood
'Odilon' Lounge Chair, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Odilon lounge chair is a robust and elegant piece of furniture that embodies the distinctive design characteristics of the Brazilian furniture designer Sergio Rodrigues. It featu...
Fabric, Hardwood
$21,630Sale Price / set|25% Off
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Jacarandá Dining Chair Set of 4, Brasil, circa 1955
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
“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
Stella Round Expandable Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This expandable table is an example of the inventive designs by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014). The four-seat table made of solid Rosewood with a veneered top is extendable for six sea...
Rosewood
$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
Brazilian Modern Dining or Conference Table in Rosewood, Metal, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, this large dining and conference table belongs to the Beg family, a group of works developed to address collective use within institutional...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues Stool "Mocho" Stool for Oca, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Sergio Rodrigues "Mocho" stool for Oca, Brazil, 1954. Sublime in its simplicity and comfort, in very good original condition, stamped.
Mid-Century Modern Magrini Stool (2 units) by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1963 by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by his iconic company Oca, the Magrini Stool embodies the warmth and ingenuity of Brazilian modern desi...
Leather, Rosewood
Alex Side Table in Freijo wood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modernism, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, the Alex side table is a distilled expression of Brazilian modernism at its most architectural and humanistic. Compact in scale yet rich in...
Hardwood
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
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
Set of 4 Cimba Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Rosewood Two-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues 'Burton' Dining Table, Hardwood & Brass, Mid-Century, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Whitstable, GB
Stunning Brazilian extension dining table designed by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1958. Largely constructed in solid wood and brass hardware details. The round edged top featur...
Brass
Sergio Rodrigues Bookcase Model Adolpho, Brazilian Mid-Century, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE, FR
Excellent condition. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by OCA in Brazil in the 1960s, the "Adolpho" bookcase perfectly embodies the aesthetic of mid-century modern desig...
Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960 Jacaranda wood, brass trim From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 102 cm x 22,22 cm x...
Brass
Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This meticulously crafted sideboard by Sergio Rodrigues is a paradigm of Brazilian mid-century modern design, seamlessly integrating functionality with a striking aesthetic. The stru...
Steel
Dining table Redig, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Whitstable, GB
Mid-Century Modern "Redig" dining table by Brazilian Designer Sergio Rodrigues, 1950s. The name of the piece is certainly a reference to architect Olavo Redig de Santos, a fellow ar...
Hardwood
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
'Alex' Coffee Table in Marble and Wood, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Alex coffee table, designed by the esteemed Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues in 1960, is a testament to his ability to create furniture that captures the essence of Brazil's c...
Stone, Marble
Azen Rosewood Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Azen Mirror is made with a Rosewood frame and has brass details. This piece was designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca in 1965.
Rosewood
Sérgio Rodrigues “Alex” Coffee Table, Brazil, ca. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
The “Alex” table by Sérgio Rodrigues (1927–2014) is a refined example of Brazilian mid‑century modernism, produced by Oca around 1960. The “Alex” table by Sérgio Rodrigues (1927–201...
Marble, Brass
Sergio Rodrigues, Chaise Longue, Wood, Brazil, 1980s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A wood chaise longue or deck chair designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1980s. With dramatic patina suggesting outdoor use. Loss to front leg as illustrated. Overa...
Wood
Cimba Loveseat by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues “Caola” Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood and Green Linen, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s, the Caola sofa by Sergio Rodrigues exemplifies the designer’s belief that modern furniture should respond to the body, climate, and social life rather than adh...
Fabric, Hardwood
$63,909
Bookcase model “Adolpho”
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bookcase model “Adolpho” Manufactured by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960 Jacaranda, leather panels Measurements 203 x 43 x 210h cm 79,9 x 16,9 x 82,7h in
Jacaranda
Slatted “Mucki” Bench by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues circa 1958, the “Mucki” bench is a refined example of Brazilian modernist furniture, balancing structural clarity with a warm and tactile material presen...
Hardwood
Anacastro Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Anacastro Sofa Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1960s Jacaranda and natural leather Measurements 270 cm x 80 cm x 78 h cm (back) 106,3 in x 31,5 in x 30,7 h in (back) 270 cm x 80 cm x 42...
Leather, Jacaranda
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
$9,945Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Luciana Dresser by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Luciana Buffet constructed with eight drawers was designed in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca. The top is laminated in Rosewood, with solid Rosewood edging and chromed buttons. ...
Formica, Wood
Brazilian Midcentury - Sérgio Rodrigues OCA: rare 1956 Paola Stool in solid wood
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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
$13,440Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues' Cíntia Bench in solid wood, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Cíntia bench, a timeless design masterpiece, was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench's beautiful structure, made of soli...
Wood
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
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
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
Set of two “Lúcio Costa” dining chairs, by Sérgio Rodrigues. Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two “Lúcio Costa” dining chairs, a classic icon of Brazilian design, simple and timeless, a tribute to the acclaimed Brazilian architec...
Cane, Hardwood
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
$8,960Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Azen Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in New York, NY
The Azen Mirror is an important piece of Brazilian Mid-century design, created by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca in 1965, the piece is made from a solid Rosewood frame with...
Chrome
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chairs for Oca, 1956, Set of 2
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chair for Oca, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining chair for Oca, wood and Vienna straw, Brazil, 1956 Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the Rio de Janeiro...
Wood
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
Sergio Rodrigues. Table "Alex". Hardwood, c. 1960
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this model table "Alex" is a reference in the designer's style. With its solid wood structure composed of a large central pillar with a square s...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa in Rosewood, Leather & Textured Fabric, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Brazilian Modernism, the Millor sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the designer’s enduring belief that comfort, craftsmanship, and material richness shou...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A wooden credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in the mid-1960s. Part of the mid-century modern movement that highlighted Brazilian design through the use of nati...
Chrome