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, Sideboard, Freijó, Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A Freijó wood and black leather sideboard or cabinet designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1965. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A solid bookshelf produced by Oca in the mid-1960s, designed by Sergio Rodrigues. This piece features mid-century design with clean lines and a focus on functionality. Made of solid ...
Wood, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1968
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed circa 1968 by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, this large-scale bookshelf exemplifies the designer’s architectural approach to furniture, where structure, proportion, a...
Hardwood
1960s Mid Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues in Rosewood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and highly functional Brazilian modern credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues, dating to the 1960s. Crafted from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), the piece exemplifies ...
Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of bookcases Manufactured by Oca Brasil, 1960 Jacaranda wood, brass trim From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 102 cm x 22,22 cm x...
Brass
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
Sergio Rodrigues. Tea trolley / Bar, c. 1960. Edition Oca
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) Tea Trolley / Bar, c. 1960 Oca Edition Wood, wood veneer, and formica Dimensions : 68 x 80 x 60 cm (26 77/100 x 31 1/2 x 23 31/50 in) This tea /...
Formica, Hardwood
$65,231
Bookcase model “Adolpho”
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bookcase model “Adolpho” Manufactured by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960 Jacaranda, leather panels Measurements 203 x 43 x 210h cm 79,9 x 16,9 x 82,7h in
Jacaranda
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
Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao 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
Bookcase 'Adolpho' by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cabinet designed by Sergio Rodrigues and crafted by OCA in Brazil during the 1960s. This timeless piece embodies the essence of mid-century modern design with its rich jacaranda wood...
Leather, Wood
$23,400 / item
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A wooden credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca in the mid-1960s. Belonging to the mid-century modern movement that celebrated Brazilian design through native ...
Rosewood
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
Mid-Century Modern Luciana Dresser by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Luciana Buffet constructed with eight drawers was designed in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca. The top is laminated in Rosewood, with solid Rosewood edging and chromed buttons. ...
Formica, Wood
$10,700Sale Price|28% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This innovative bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues was crafted in circa 1960 from Brazilian Rosewood with contrasting white formica interior, made in Brazil and recently imported to the states. Fully restored and ready to be used and cherished immediately. A highly sought-after collectors piece, this dry bar / trolley features a flip-top which becomes a usable platform...
Formica, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues "Marquesa" Chest of Drawers in Rosewood with Marble Top, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern design, this rare Marquesa chest of drawers was designed by renowned Brazilian master Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in B...
Marble
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
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
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
Wood, Formica
Vintage Modern Low Bookshelf after Milo Baughman
By Milo Baughman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern Milo Baughman style bookcase featuring sculpted body with brass finish and four glass shelves. Stunning display shelf for home, office, or business use. Please confir...
Brass
Mid-Century "China" Bookcase in Oak by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen, C.M. Madsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low China bookcase in oak. Designed by MAA. Børge Mogensen in 1958, this piece is made by CM Madsen cabinetmakers Denmark in the 1960s. Great original condition. More shelves available.
Oak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Low Rosewood sideboard, 1960s Beautiful Danish Modern low sideboard in minimalistic style attributed to Danish designer Arne Vodder for Sibast. Front with...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern bookcase and cabinet in teak. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. In the style of Carlo Jensen/Hundevad/Børge Mogensen...
Teak
John Stuart Chrome and Lacquered Chest of Drawers
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1970s three drawer chest of drawers retailed by John Stuart in the style of Milo Baughman. Three drawers with chrome hardware float above the floor in a parsons form lacquere...
Chrome
$2,895
H 61 in W 42.5 in D 12 in
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood Bookshelf by Carlo Jensen
By Hundevad & Co., Carlo Jensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Rosewood
$5,760 / set
H 84.25 in W 36.125 in D 12 in
Vintage Danish Teak Bookcases, Set of Three, Mid-Century Modern Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Set of Three Danish bookcases, crafted from teak veneer in a Mid-Century Modern style, featuring multiple shelves for ample storage and display. Each bookcase is made fro...
Teak
Pair of Painted Library Bookcases
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Stunning pair of painted pine/oak library bookcases with adjustable shelves, very elegant look. 1840s Shelf depth 34cm
Oak, Pine
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Rosewood Credenza
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage desig...
Metal
Mid Century Danish Teak Bookcase Cabinet, 1960s
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Beautiful mid century Danish bookcase in warm teak veneer, made in the 1960s. The design is clean and minimal, with an open upper section and a lower shelf, making it perfect for dis...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Bookcase done in Walnut, Denmark 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a beautiful Mid Century Modern Bookcase done in walnut. It features several drawers as well as compartments. The bookcase stands on steel legs painted b...
Steel
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern 4-Tier Sculpted Walnut Bookshelf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Oak, Walnut
Package deal for L. Z.
By Claudio Salocchi, Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pieces: - Jorge Zalszupin room divider, net price $19400,- - Sergio Rodrigues sideboard, net price $16000,- - Salocchi sidetables, net price $4450,- Crating per item*: - Zalszupi...
Wood
Sold
H 18.5 in W 56.3 in D 20.1 in
Mid-Century Modern Trunk Model “Sabara” in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this spectacular Brazilian Modern Trunk model “Sabara” in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda is nothing less than spectacular! The "Sabará" trunk was designed ...
Chrome
Vintage Brazilian Walnut ‘Sabara’ Trunk by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare vintage Brazilian walnut ‘Sabara’ trunk by Sergio Rodrigues. This was made in Brazil, it dates from the 1970’s. This is of outstanding quality, it is extrem...
Walnut
Sold
H 31.3 in W 78.75 in D 14.97 in
Mid-Century Modern "Vladi" Shelves by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern "Vladi" Shelves by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965 This is a distinctive piece that seamlessly blends form and function, serving as both a practical shelf and a st...
Fabric, Wood, Plywood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 77 in D 19.7 in
Mid Century Modern Credenza “Adolpho” in hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid Century Modern Credenza “Adolpho” in hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues is stunning! This wonderful credenza is made in solid Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda). The...
Hardwood
Sold
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 78.75 in
Sergio Rodrigues George Nelson Bookcase in Rosewood, Metal and Leather Brazil 60
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
Sergio Rodrigues George Nelson Bookcase in Rosewood, Metal and leather - Brazil, 1960. The restoration process only needed refinishing...
Metal
Sold
H 18.5 in W 56.3 in D 20.1 in
Mid-Century Modern Trunk Model “Sabara” in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this spectacular Brazilian Modern Trunk model “Sabara” in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda is nothing less than spectacular! Th...
Chrome
Sold
H 30.32 in W 80.71 in D 19.69 in
Rare Sideboard, by Sergio Rodrigues, 60s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful sideboard was conceived in the 60s by Sérgio Rodrigues. The piece is made of solid Brazilian hardwood. One of the doors is nicely covered in suede and the other doo...
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Sideboard
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rosewood and leather sideboard by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960's Gorgeous rosewood with sliding leather door and 4 drawers. Wonderful piece.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 71 in D 31.5 in
Expertly Restored -Sergio Rodrigues "Redig" Rosewood Butterfly-Leaf Table / Desk
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sergio Rodrigues "Redig" rosewood butterfly-leaf table / desk Dimensions 25in H x 55-71in W x 31.50in D 1x Extension Leaf 16in. __________________...
Steel
Set of Two Bookcases by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Brasil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Hellouw, NL
An impressive set of two bookcases by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Brasil, 1960s. This set is made of Peroba wood, plywood, and brass. The bookcases have a v...
Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 114.5 in D 23.75 in
Monumental Sergio Rodrigues Jacaranda Rosewood & Granite Credenza, 1960s Brazil
By Bernardo Figueiredo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This monumental and important Jacaranda Rosewood sideboard / credenza by Sergio Rodrigues was created with the architect Bernardo Figuiredo for a custom installation in a mid-century modern Rio de Janeiro home in Brazil in which we acquired it from. Bernardo often collaborated with Sergio and his company OCA on projects and this one is quite special, the entire dining suite was designed and created together which we have in other listings if you wish to purchase the entire set. This credenza / sideboard cabinet features large round solid Jacaranda handles which give personality to this piece. Topped with a huge granite slab - the photos don't do it justice as there was much glare coming from the photography lights. In normal room lighting it is a gorgeous dark black speckled granite top with some deep brown and silver grey flecks. Inside the large cabinet doors are open cubby spaces with removable shelves and four pull out drawers in exotic Brazilian Rosewood. Shown in the photos are the matching trestle base and granite top dining table...
Granite