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 '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
Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
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
Sérgio Rodrigues “Dalmo” Chest of Drawers in Rosewood & Chromed Steel — Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in Brazilian modernist pragmatism, the “Dalmo” chest by Sérgio Rodrigues for Oca distills utility into sculptural clarity. Designed circa 1960, the piece reflects Rodri...
Chrome
Beg Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Noble Wood and Leather, Brazil, 1967
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Beg armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1967 and produced by Oca, a compact lounge chair in solid noble wood and leather. The Beg armchair frames buttoned leather cushions withi...
Leather, Wood
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
$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, 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
Sergio Rodrigues, Dining table "Ilidio", c. 1960. 80 x 200 x 100 cm
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
Mid-Century Modern Console in Hardwood & Chrome Wheels, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century console is executed in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), combining solid construction with richly figured veneer panels. The composition reflects the disciplined mater...
Chrome
Kiko Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Black Leather
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kiko Armchair, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1964 and produced by Oca, is one of the designer's most distinctive executive seating designs. Originally commissioned for the Brazilia...
Leather, Wood
Set of two Kiko Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Black Leather
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of Two Kiko Armchairs, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1964 and produced by Oca, is one of the designer's most distinctive executive seating designs. Originally commissioned for ...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Jacaranda Writing Desk with Two Drawers, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
A writing desk designed by renowned Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, crafted in solid and veneered jacaranda da Bahia (Brazilian rosewood), Brazil, circa 1960. Featuring two draw...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, Tea Trolley "Vertis", c. 1960. Solid wood, white Formica
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) Tea Trolley "Vertis", circa 1960 Solid wood, white Formica on the trays, and metal wheels Dimensions: 77 x 72 x 43 cm (30.3 x 28.4 x 16.9 in) Designed i...
Metal
"Magrini" Stools by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Brazil, 1963
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
"Magrini" Stools by brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963. Built with solid rosewood and the structure/joinery is all wood with no nails or screws. Features two handles o...
Rosewood
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. Table "Alex". Hardwood, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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 “Yara” Side Tables in Freijó Wood with Drawers & Glass, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined pair of “Yara” side tables designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil during the 1960s. Crafted in richly figured freijó wood, each table reflects Rodrigues’ distinctive synthe...
Chrome
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
Sergio Rodrigues, 60s Drummond armchair, solid wood, Brazilian modern design
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in São Paulo, SP
“Drummond” Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1959 (Set of 2) Designed in 1959 by the acclaimed Brazilian architect and designer Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014),...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood Luxor bed by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1962, Luxor Bed was formerly part of Hotel Luxor's bedroom in São Paulo, which had its interior design signed by ...
Rosewood
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
$19,110Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Regid Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Regid dining table with a marble top is one of the most known designs made by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca within the mid-century design context. The solid structure com...
Marble
Six chairs by Sergio Rodrigues (Brazil, 1927-2014), Italy 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six dining chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues (Brazil, 1927-2014) in the 1960s. The chairs have an elegant, ebonized frame with high backrests and trapezoidal seats. The chai...
Fabric, Beech
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chair for Oca, 1956
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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 4
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 four. Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Luxor Daybed by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1962, Daybed Luxor was formerly part of Hotel Luxor's bedroom in São Paulo, which had its interior design signed by the designer. The furn...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Bar Cart with Removable Trays, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This bar cart, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, demonstrates the designer’s ability to elevate auxiliary furniture through thoughtful construction and material intelligence...
Chrome
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
Pair of Side Tables by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A striking pair that distills Rodrigues’ design language into its most essential form. The circular tops, rendered in richly figured jacarandá rosewood, rest upon sculptural crucifor...
Metal
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
Cimba Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Rosewood, Glass
Early mocho stool by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Tabouret mocho par Sergio Rodrigues, version ancienne.
Mahogany
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
Four Seats "Longarina", by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
The exceptional auditorium armchair designed by the legendary Brazilian architect and designer Sérgio Rodrigues in 1965 showcases his genius for combining materials and proportions t...
Wood
Latini Coffee Table Design by Sergio Rodrigues, Oca, Brazil, 1960.
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1924-2014) in the 1960s and produced by Oca, Latini is a round coffee table of solid Rosewood and a glass top. The base is a four-leg cross piece with ...
Wood, Glass
Pair of Taja Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Brazilian Modern "Beg" Dining Table in Rosewood & Chrome, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, this monumental dining table belongs to the celebrated Beg family, one of the designer's most architecturally sophisticated series dev...
Metal
Cimba Loveseat by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
"Alex" Round Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this modern dining table is made of Rosewood (Jacaranda). Created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1960, the round dining table, named as "Alex" has th...
Rosewood
“Cuiaba” Dining Table in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1970’s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), the “Cuiabá” dining table reflects the architect-designer’s commitment to structural legibility and the expressive potential of Brazilian ha...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Oval wall mirrors by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Oval wall mirrors by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s Pair of Oval wall mirror with fabric-covered plywood structure.
Fabric, Plywood
Sergio Rodrigues, Pair of Shelves Model “Georges Nelson”, Brasil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues, Pair of shelves model “Georges Nelson” Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1965 Jacaranda wood, chrome metal frame and leather From the archives of Side Gallery, Barce...
Chrome
Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
Slatted Coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Jabour
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Jabour
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
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood with Shelf by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), this bar cart reflects the relaxed material sensibility and structural directness that came to define Brazilian modern design during the 1...
Glass, Hardwood
Round Rosewood Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues (attributed), 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Round mirror with Rosewood frame, probably designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960S.
Rosewood
Original Design Sergio Rodrigues, Lucio Chairs for OCA Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
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...
Cane, Hardwood
Round Rosewood Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues (attributed), 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Round mirror with rosewood frame, probably designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s.
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A mid-century modern bar cart produced by Oca, Rio de Janeiro, circa 1960s, designed by Sergio Rodrigues. Constructed with rosewood veneer over a rosewood solid frame, the piece feat...
Formica, Rosewood
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
'Alex' Coffee Table in Marble and Wood, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
Price Upon Request
"Mocho" stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Imbuia Wood.
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Magrini" stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Rosewood and Original Cushions.
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Credenza by Sérgio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in jacaranda with leatherette doors. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s.
Leather, Wood
Price Upon Request
Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic designs by Sergio Rodrigues, the "Oscar" chair was made in tribute to Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer. This set still has the tags of Furnas, a reg...
Cane, Wood
Price Upon Request
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
Wood, Formica
Price Upon Request
"Oscar" Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic designs by Sergio Rodrigues, the "Oscar" chair was made in tribute to Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer. This set still has the tags of Furnas, a reg...
Cane, Wood
Price Upon Request
"Magrini" stool by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Pine Wood.
Hardwood