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 Mid Century Modern - Sergio Rodrigues OCA - “Luciana” Dresser, 1965
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
Rare “Luciana” dresser designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1965 and produced by OCA, Brazil. The piece is an important example of Rodrigues’ mid-century production and reflects the desig...
Wood, Hardwood
$9,945Sale Price|25% Off
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
Brazilian Modern Bookshelf in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An important large-scale Brazilian Modern bookshelf designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA circa 1968, showcasing the designer’s celebrated ability to merge architecture, c...
Chrome
$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
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
$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
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
Sergio Rodrigues, ‘Nelson’ Wall Shelving System, Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues ‘Nelson’ Wall Shelving System The ‘Nelson’ wall shelving system, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, combines richly figured rosewood shelves with slender metal supports ...
Leather, Rosewood
Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São 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
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
$63,003
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 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
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Bloch Editores' Wardrobe, Rosewood, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Wardrobe for 'Bloch Editores' Rosewood, Brazil, 1965 Offered by RAFA gallery
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
Sergio Rodrigues Luciana Chest of Drawers in Brazilian Rosewood, Oca, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, BR
Luciana chest of drawers designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca in Brazil, circa 1960, with a case veneered in Brazilian rosewood (jacaranda) and legs in solid jacaranda. ...
Jacaranda
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
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
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
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
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
Wood, Formica
1960s Set of Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A set of Mid-Century Modern dressers. One in teak and one in oak. Simple and in good original shape from 1960s.
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by Ramseur Furniture, 1960s
By Ramseur Furniture Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza crafted by cabinet maker Ramseur Furniture in the United States, circa 1960s. This beautifully crafted piece embodies the clean lines and thoughtful funct...
Walnut
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
Mid-Century Modern High Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern highboy dresser. Six spacious dovetail-jointed drawers line the center of the case and are flanked by leather front cabinet...
Leather, Wood
Gorgeous Aldo Tura Bar Cart Creme, 1965
By Aldo Tura
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous Aldo Tura Hollywood Regency style bar or serving cart by Aldo Tura, Milano, Italy, 1965. Creme lacquered goatskin bar or serving cart with two glass tops and serving tray wi...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern English Teak Credenza / Sideboard, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century modern teak credenza / sideboard manufactured in England during the 1960s. Elegant proportions, thoughtful craftsmanship, and subtle details define this beautiful piece, ...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut 9 Drawer Dresser by Dixie
By Dixie Furniture Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant dresser. This is a beautiful example of Mid-Century craftsmanship by Dixie Furniture, features nine drawers for plenty of storage. An extremely well made and solid piece ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tambour Door Credenza, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century walnut credenza manufactured in the United States, circa 1960s. This beautifully executed case piece exemplifies the clean lines and refined craftsmanship that defined Am...
Walnut, Lacquer
$2,495
H 30 in W 73.5 in D 17.25 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Style Teak Credenza Sideboard Buffet Bar Cabinet 1960s
Located in Portland, OR
A good original Mid Century Modern Danish style teak credenza sideboard, circa 1968. This elegant mid century credenza is made from teak, the credenza having twin three paneled door...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Bedroom Dresser
Located in Pasadena, TX
This unique American walnut dresser features stunning vintage craftsmanship, evident in it's simple yet elegant details. From rounded corner tapered legs to sculpted cabinet front, t...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza by R-Way Furniture, 1960s
By R-Way Furniture Company
Located in Raymondville, TX
This vintage mid-century modern credenza by R-Way Furniture features a classic design, beautiful amber tone walnut wood with a lacquered finish, and versatile storage. To the left is...
Metal, Brass
$10,000
H 96 in W 94.75 in D 20 in L 96 in
Poul Cadovius for Cado/Royal System 3-Bay Wall Unit in Brazilian Rosewood
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1960s by Poul Cadovius, this 2nd generation wall unit was produced by Cado during the same time period. Cado as a company was founded when Poul began selling his...
Glass, Rosewood
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
Finest Sideboard "Luciana" by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA 1960s.
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Handewitt, DE
Finest sideboard in beautiful wood by the brazillian designer Sergio Rodrigues for OCA 1960s.. Model "Luciana". In original condition with nice details. Inside with shelves. Original...
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! The "Sabará" trunk was designed ...
Chrome
Sold
H 32.7 in W 72.4 in D 17.7 in
1960s Mid Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazilian 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 ...
Rosewood
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 São 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