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 Mole Sheriff Sofa, Jacaranda Rosewood, Leather, 1960's
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in ...
Leather, Jacaranda
$26,900Sale Price|20% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare signed example of the 'Mole' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, produced by OCA Brazil in the 1960s (see image gallery for a photo of the OCA stamp). This Mole sofa has an expansive am...
Rosewood, Leather
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare sofa model Mole Produced in Bra...
Jacaranda, Leather
Tonico Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Iconic Tonico Sofa, designed by the legendary Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960's. Excellent quality and masterfully crafted. Solid Jacaranda hardwood frame upholstered in green Brazilia...
Leather, Jacaranda
Vintage 'Mole' Solid Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Rosewood
'Mole' Sofa in Leather, By Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The 'Mole' sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, is not only an iconic piece of mid-20th century Brazilian furniture but also a crowning achievement in the designer's illustrious caree...
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 'Mole' Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Wood
Tonico Sofa in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Tonico sofa, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1962, exemplifies the harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modernist innovation that defines mid-century Brazilian desig...
Leather, Hardwood, Suede
Rosewood Three-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
"Tonico" Three-Seat Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Tonico three-seat sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues around 1963, is a masterpiece of Brazilian modernist design. Its stained freijó wood frame provides a strong yet elegant fou...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Paraty Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A refined expression of Rodrigues’ mastery of proportion and comfort, the Paraty sofa combines architectural clarity with inviting warmth. The gently curved backrest and subtly flare...
Upholstery, Rosewood
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
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
Sofa "Millor" in Hardwood, Fabric & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Produced in Brazil during the 1960s, the Millor sofa reflects the period’s emphasis on material honesty, structural clarity, and comfort integrated directly into form. Rooted in Braz...
Leather, Fabric, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern “Stella” Three-Seat Sofa in Wood & Bouclé by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues (1924–2014) and produced by OCA, the Stella sofa stands as a mature expression of Brazilian modern design at its most confident and culturally gr...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Sergio Rodriques "Sheriff" Sofa for ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Coronado, CA
This stunning "Sheriff" sofa was designed by the renowned Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues in the 1950s. This example was manufactured in Italy in the 1960s when it was licensed t...
Leather, Imbuia, Cotton
Four Seats "Longarina", by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao 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
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 “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
Price Upon Request
Franco Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic and rare "Franco" sofa by Sergio Rodrigues.
Fabric, Hardwood
$11,000
H 39.38 in W 38.59 in D 31.89 in
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
$13,900
H 27.17 in W 29.14 in D 26.78 in
'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
$36,400
H 29.34 in W 43.31 in D 34.65 in
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
$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
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Red Lion, PA
"Sheriff" model. Solid pine, leather cover, leather straps. Design: Sergio Rodrigues, 1957. Manufacturer: Isa, Bergamo, Italy. Vintage condition
Leather, Wood
'Mole' Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1957, this iconic Mole lounge chair embodies the essence of Brazilian mid-century modernism. Featuring a solid rounded jaca...
Leather, Wood
$16,000 / set
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
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
$32,000
H 28.75 in W 65.75 in D 29.93 in
Vintage 'Mole' Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Wood
$13,681 / set
H 29.14 in W 33.47 in D 35.44 in
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
$26,500Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 32 in W 19.5 in D 20.5 in
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Jacaranda & Leather Cantu Chairs, c 1959 Brazil, Signed
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An important set of six (6) Jacaranda Rosewood 'Cantu' dining chairs by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Arquitetura e Interiores in original leather, signed with labels and Brazilian tax st...
Granite
$11,781 / set
H 29.93 in W 40.95 in D 36.23 in
Lounge chair with Ottoman "Sheriff" by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
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
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 33 in D 31 in
Sergio Rodrigues Mole / Sheriff Chair and Ottoman, Jacaranda, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Culver City, CA
This chair and ottoman set is pure Brazilian modern magic — the kind of duo that doesn’t just complete a room, it defines it. With its sculptural Jacaranda frame, deep tufted cushion...
Leather, Jacaranda
Impressive Sergio Rodrigues sofa
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Incroyable canapé trois places par Sergio Rodrigues avec tables d’appoints integrées.
Marble
Sold
H 37.75 in W 94 in D 31.5 in
Sergio Rodrigues Tonico Sofa -SF Fall Show, upholstery by David Kleinberg
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Oakland, CA
Iconic Sergio Rodrigues Tonico Sofa produced by OCA/Meia-Pataca in 1962, features a frame of solid Pau Ferro wood, in a reddish-brown color reimagined with handwoven Moroccan striped...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.6 in W 78 in D 33.5 in
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Grey boucle & Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This sofa is crafted from Hardwood and upholstered in a grey soft boucle. The seats have been reupholstered by a team with over 40 years of experience, previously working with Sergio...
Hardwood, Bouclé
"Macedo" Sofa in Hardwood & Boucle by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional 'Macedo' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues is a rare find, featuring an integrated storage area at the back. Crafted in the 1960s by OCA Brazil, it showcases a generous amoun...
Fabric, Hardwood
Sheriff sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo, Stendig Co., Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The 'Mole' sofa, designed in 1957 by Sergio Rodrigues, is an icon of mid-century Brazilian furniture. Meaning 'soft' in Portuguese, the Mole sofa is aptly named for its comfort and l...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Sofa by Sergio Rodriguesin New Leather
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Diego, CA
This incredibly comfortable and lovely sofa designed by Sergio Rodrigues has been restored with careful historical accuracy. We have restored the wood frame and made new leather cush...
Leather
Sold
H 31 in W 80.25 in D 46.25 in
'Macedo' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very rare and very deep 'Macedo' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues which features an integrated storage area on the back. Produced by OCA Brazil in the 1960s, the ...
Rosewood, Fabric
Caola Sofa, by Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This sofa, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues, is an exquisite piece of mid-century modern furniture that embodies the distinctive character of Brazil...
Fabric, Hardwood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 31 in D 70.25 in
Brazilian Modern 3-seater Sofa in Espresso Leather by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Diego, CA
As with all of Sergio Rodrigues' chairs, this sofa is as comfortable and livable as can be. This is a completely restored 3-seater Sheriff sofa designed b...
Leather
Sold
H 39.38 in W 86.62 in D 35.44 in
'Franco' Sofa in solid hard wood, Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Franco" sofa, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, is a distinct representation of Brazilian mid-century design. The piece is characterized by its robust solid hardwood structure that ...
Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 76.5 in D 36 in
Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa in Jacaranda Rosewood Boucle, Signed, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It's rare to find a sofa that is arguably more attractive from the back than the front, and that can be floated effortlessly in any environment. This iconic sofa comes with a colorful history, and here's to shedding some light on that. Sergio Rodrigues, better knows as the father of modern Brazilian design, was a prolific Brazilian architect and designer. He designed furniture for people-- he would design a piece of furniture and take it home-- if the cook liked it, if his wife liked it, and the cat liked it, then it was good enough. He placed a priority on comfort as well as customizability-- which is also reflective in this sofa-- as the leather straps can all be adjust for a more firm sit, or more relaxed feel. The Mole was originally designed in 1957 and produced in 1958. Rodrigues believed this design to be really one of the first pieces of post modern design-- and maybe for that reason it's why it didn't immediately catch on. The Mole was met with a "bitter discouraging lack of interest," while it sat for a year in Oca's display window; onlookers would call it an "expensive dog bed" and others would complain it looked like a "fried egg". His partners wanted him to keep the Mole chair...
Leather, Bouclé, Jacaranda
Sold
H 25.2 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Odilon Sofa, by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The beautiful Brazilian hardwood sofa created by the Brazilian architect and designer Sérgio Rodrigues in the '60s is an outstanding piece. The simple lines of the Minimalist design ...
Wood