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 '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
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
$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
Armchairs “Kilin” in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Kilin armchair was designed in 1973 by Sergio Rodrigues(1927-2014) and produced by Oca. The chair is constructed from solid Brazilian rosewood, also known as jacaranda, composed ...
Leather, Hardwood
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
"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
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
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 “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, 1963
By Meia Pataca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, leather and wood, Brazil, 1963 Designed in 1963 for Meia Pataca, the “Tonico” is Sergio Rodrigues at his most direct: a low w...
Leather, 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
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
“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
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
Pair of Armchairs “Kilin” in Hardwood and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
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 cross pieces of Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda, with...
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage "Kiko" Rosewood Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Made in Jacarandá rosewood, this Sergio Rodrigues piece has originally upholstered in yellow leather, circular chrome accents, and chrome casters. This chair was created to furnish t...
Leather, Rosewood
'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
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
'Franco' Lounge Chairs with headrest, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao 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
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 "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Created by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1956, the Oscar armchair was an homage to Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), one of the most important Brazilian architects in modern architecture...
Straw, Rosewood
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
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
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
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
$13,950 / set
Sergio Rodrigues Rare Rosewood Arm Chairs - Pair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare pair of Sergio Rodrigues Paraty arm chairs. Newly upholstered. In excellent condition.
Rosewood
"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...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues, Franco armchair in rosewood, headrest brazillian modern design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Pair of “Franco” Lounge Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues – Icons of Modern Brazilian Design (1963) We are pleased to offer an original pair of the iconic “Franco” lounge chairs, designed ...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
$8,000 / set
Pair of Arcos little Chair by Brazil 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brasília, BR
Amazing pair of Arcos armchairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s for Itamaraty Palace. They are composed by a solid rosewood structure. The seat and backrest are made up of...
Leather, Wood
Armchair 'Longarina IAB' Sérgio Rodrigues Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Armchair model “Longarina IAB” Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1965 Freijó, steel, leather Product designed for auditoriums such as Anhembi and Fapesp Awarded by the Institute of Archite...
Stainless Steel
"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
Brazilian Modern Armchairs with Wheels in Hardwood & Velvet, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed for Brasilia’s iconic Palácio Itamaraty, which houses the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, the "Jimi" armchair is a testament of Brazil's history. With i...
Chrome
Brazilian Modern "Longarina" Auditorium Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in NYC metro area included, Those Mid Century Modern Pair of Double “Longarina” Auditorium Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, made in Brazil in 1965 ...
Iron
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
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, 60s Drummond armchair, solid rosewood, 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, Rosewood
Pair of Taja Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues - Taba - Stella armchair in solid rosewood jacaranda 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
SERGIO RODRIGUES - 1956 - Rare and sculptural Bergere "Stella" armchair with solid rosewood legs and plywood seat frame covered in premium woven fabric. First upholstered armchair de...
Fabric, Rosewood, Plywood
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
Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in iron structure, solid wood arms and new black leather upholstery. Brazil, 1950.
Iron
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
"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
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 re...
Cane, Wood