Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Brazilian, 1927-2014
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.
to
8
10
9
39
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
19
21
4
2
3
2
2
37
39
31
5
6
9
5
39
21
20
13
11
35
33
4
3
1
39
39
39
163
398
266
238
234
Creator: Sergio Rodrigues
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...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
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...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cane, 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...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
“Moleca” Lounge Chair with Stool in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern “Moleca” Armchair with Stool in Hardwood & Leather by Sergio Rodrigues designed in 1959 is absolutely gorgeous!
The "Moleca'' lounge chair i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood, Wood
Sérgio Rodrigues, Tonico Armchair, 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Tonico Armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960's.
Excellent quality and masterfully crafted. Solid hardwood frame upholstered in original red fabric and black leather.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, 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...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Straw, 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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Pair of Moleca Rosewood Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Throughout Sergio Rodrigues' career, many of his pieces underwent adjustment, adapted to new material resources and production conditions, or even reinvented.
The Moleca armchair...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Sérgio Rodrigues, Franco Armchair, c.1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Sergio Rodrigues Franco Armchair is a classic mid-century modern piece. The armchair features a wooden frame, often crafted from high-quality wood like jacaranda or rosewood. The fra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
'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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
'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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Other
Pair of Vronka Armchairs, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962 Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
The Oscar armchair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1956, serves as a tribute to Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), a highly influential figure in the realm of modern Brazilian ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
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...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
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...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide, Leather, Jacaranda, 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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century "Lia" Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues: Brazilian Hardwood Iconic Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Lia" armchair, created by the Brazilian architect and designer Sérgio Rodrigues in 1962, is an extraordinary piece of furniture that showcases the designer's ingenuity and creat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Vronka Armchairs, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962 Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood, Plywood
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
'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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Other
"Vivi" Lounge Chair in Hardwood, Móveis Cantu, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Sergio Rodrigues was a Brazilian furniture designer known for his innovative use of materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Throughout his career, he perfected the use of jacarandá r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Taja Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Sérgio Rodrigues, Arco Armchair, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
The Arco armchair by Sergio Rodrigues is a mid-century modern design from the 1960s. It features a rosewood frame, with a upholsthered seat and backrest. This beautiful piece creates...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Jacaranda
Set of 4 Cimba Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues, Pair of Moleca Armchair, Circa 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Pair of Moleca armchair made in jacaranda and leather.
Both wood and leather have beautiful time patina. The leather condition is very good. The wood structure is in perfect condit...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
“Holperin” Armchair in Green Leather & Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1962s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The mid-century modern “Holperin” armchair was designed in 1962 by Sergio Rodrigues during his time at Oca. The base is made with solid Brazilian rosewood. The wood has been refinish...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Sheriff Armchairs
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Paris, FR
Oak, Cowhide
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide, Oak
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 ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of Moleca Armchair, Circa 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
Pair of Moleca armchair made in jacaranda and leather.
Both wood and leather have beautiful time patina. The leather condition is very good. The wo...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Sérgio Rodrigues, Kiko High Back Armchair, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barra Funda, SP
The Kiko armchair is a beautiful design by Sérgio Rodrigues. Very comfortable, made of simple lines, the structure is made of Brazilian hardwood and orange leather.
Rodrigues was one...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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.
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
"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...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
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...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Sergio Rodrigues armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Percival Lafer, José Zanine Caldas, and Liceu de Artes e Ofícios.
Creators Similar to Sergio Rodrigues
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Sergio Rodrigues Lounge Chairs
Sergio Rodrigues Chairs
Sergio Rodrigues Sofas
Sergio Rodrigues Stools
Sergio Rodrigues Dining Room Chairs
Sergio Rodrigues Benches
Sergio Rodrigues Living Room Sets
Sergio Rodrigues Daybeds
Sergio Rodrigues Tables
Sergio Rodrigues Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Sergio Rodrigues Mirrors
Sergio Rodrigues Asian Art and Furniture