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.
Brazilian Modern "Mucki" Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Mucki bench by Sérgio Rodrigues stands as an essential expression of Brazilian modern design—an era that fused architectural clarity with the warmth and soul of...
Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues Eleh Jacaronda Coffee Table or Bench, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Rodrigues Eleh Jacaronda coffee table or bench, Brazil, 1965. "Eleh" model from the "Arcos" series, Made by Oca, Brazil, 1965. Jacaranda (Brazili...
Jacaranda
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
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Slatted 'Mucki' Bench, LinBrasil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mucki Bench Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
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
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
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
$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
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
Price Upon Request
Mucki Bench by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mucki" bench designed by Sergio Rodrigues. Provence: private collection in the South of Brazil.
Hardwood
Rare Early Walnut Bench or Coffee Table by Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice solid walnut bench or coffee table by Risom.
Linear Daybed in Dark Walnut Series 84 by Stamford Modern
By Stamford Modern
Located in Westport, CT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Legend, Edward Wormley "The Linear Daybed" embodies modern minimalism with clean lines and a sturdy metal stretcher. Expl...
Nickel
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.25 in W 60 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1960s, Refinished
By George Nelson, Maruni, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully refinished Mid-Century Modern slatted wood bench in richly toned walnut, offering the perfect combination of clean architectural lines and functional versatility. Craft...
Wood
1960s Organic Bench
Located in New York, NY
1960s organic bench. Solid walnut bench with dovetails. Can also be used as a coffee table.
Walnut
$5,100
H 12.4 in W 57.1 in D 23.5 in
Brazilian Modern Slatted Bench in Rosewood (Jacaranda), Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian Modern bench, produced in Brazil during the 1960s, exemplifies the era’s rigorous exploration of structure, material honesty, and architectural restraint. Crafted enti...
Hardwood
Brass and Steel Footman Coffee Table or Bench
Located in Atlanta, GA
Brass and steel footman coffee table or bench, England, circa late 19th century. Originally used as a footman (a table used next to a cooking fire, where...
Brass, Steel
$46,000
H 11.82 in W 113 in D 23.63 in
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 31 in W 34 in D 35 in
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues Leather "Sheriff" Lounge Chair and Ottoman - All solid wood - with NO Cushions. Cushions can be custom made by most upholstery shops that...
Leather, Hardwood
$47,768
H 11.82 in W 118.12 in D 31.5 in
Rare Vintage Mucki Bench in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1958, 80cm depth
By Oca
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
Crafted by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1958 and produced by Oca, the Mucki bench is a versatile and remarkable piece suitable for various settings, both indoors and outdoors. Th...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Mocho' Stool, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mocho Stool Wood Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic mid-century slat bench crafted in solid walnut, showcasing a streamlined form and beautiful natural grain. Its versatile design allows it to function as seating, a coffee tab...
Walnut
"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
Sold
H 14.57 in W 59.06 in D 27.17 in
SERGIO RODRIGUES - 1965 - Eleh bench in Rosewood. Brazilian Modern Furniture
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
SERGIO RODRIGUES - 1965 - Eleh bench in Rosewood. Solid legs, chrome-plated metal fittings. Can be used as a bench or as a coffee table. Sergio Roberto Santos Rodrigues (September 2...
Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Mucki Bench in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available now, the Mucki bench, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1958 and manufactured by Oca, is nothing less than a stellar piece! Featuring a low rectangular base with latitudinal...
Hardwood
Sold
H 15.7 in W 70.9 in D 19.7 in
Mid-Century Modern Bench “Cíntia” by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Cíntia bench was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench’s beautiful design is made with Brazilian rosewood (also known as j...
Hardwood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern "Mocho" Stool by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern "Mocho" Stool by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1950s Inspired by the traditional cow-milking stools used in Brazil, the three-legged Mocho is a 1954 creation...
Wood
Daybed "Luxor" by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
This "Luxor" daybed by Sergio Rodrigues, crafted in 1965 for OCA, is a true masterpiece of Brazilian design. With its solid, minimalistic frame of straight lines and rounded edges, i...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 14.18 in W 59.06 in D 26.78 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Chrome by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table in Wood & Chrome is stunning! It consists of a prismatic box in veneered plywood, with solid hardwood legs and chrome-plated brass trims. This is the "Eleh" model from the "Arcos" series, designed by Sergio Rodrigues for the Oca firm in Brazil. The “Eleh” coffee table has a beautiful minimalistic design bringing elegance and innovation to any interior space. The wood has been refinished highlighting the wood veins and age of the piece. This gorgeous coffee table would look great in any Mid-Century Modern, or postmodern type environment and the iconic design and size will make of this coffee table an absolute must in everyone’s mid modern century collection. This Brazilian Modern piece belonged to a private residence at the Laranjeiras neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. For history buffs here it goes.Sergio Rodrigues was hired to furnish some of the most important buildings of the newly built Brazilian capital, Brasilia, in the 60s. The Eleh model was used to decorate several buildings including the Palacio of Planalto (presidential office) as is shown in the images “The piece of furniture is not just the shape, not just the material which is made but also something inside it. It's the piece's spirit. It's the Brazilian spirit. It's the Brazilian furniture” (Sergio Rodrigues). Literature (last images) • Vintage publication showcasing the Eleh bench in the Palacio of Planalto in Brasilia • Oca’s manufacture manual showcasing the “Eleh” model • Sergio Rodrigues by Adelia Borges, p. 87 • Sergio Rodrigues book...
Brass
Sergio Rodrigues Mucki Bench OCA Brazil 1959
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful and large sized so called 'Mucki' slat bench designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca, Brazil 1959. This is the largest version made bench of the Mucki series a...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodriguez Rosewood Bench
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood bench designed by Sergio Rodriguez crafted of solid, dark brazilian rosewood and upholstred in the original black vinyl. Sturdy.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 19.69 in W 55.12 in D 19.69 in
"Sabará" Trunk by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Sabará" trunk was designed in 1965 by the master Sergio Rodrigues. Versatile and with a lot of storage space, this piece can be used in different ambiances for different purpo...
Wood
Sold
H 14.57 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
Small "Eleh" Bench/Coffee Table, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Sergio Rodrigues, a master of Brazilian hardwood, perfected its usage throughout his illustrious career. The Eleh bench, a small version of which was design...
Rosewood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 98.43 in D 27.56 in
Eleh Bench made by Brazilian Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Sergio Rodrigues is known as the master of Brazilian hardwood, a material that he has perfected usage throughout his entire career. The Eleh bench is no exc...
Rosewood
Pair of Sergio Rodrigues Model Mocho Stools, 1950s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Milano, IT
A pair of Sergio Rodrigues' Mocho stools in solid noble wood, circa 1960. Designed in 1954 and produced by the Brazilian company Oca, which Rodrigues founded in 1955. The three-legged Mocho stool is inspired by the traditional cow stools...
Wood