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, Console Table, Wood, Formica, Brazil, 1980s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A wall-mounted wood and white formica "Cuiabá" console table designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1980s Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25"H x 70.75"W x 10.0"D All ...
Formica, Wood
$12,300Sale Price|31% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Modern Rosewood Executive Desk, c 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exotic Brazilian Rosewood 'Clara' executive desk by Sergio Rodrigues, circa 1960s, features beautifully grained Jacaranda Rosewood, signature trestle base with four drawers. The...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Desk and Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Clean Lined Rosewood Desk and Chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, circa 1960s. The chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues 'Burton' Dining Table in Rosewood 1958 Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Rosewood 'Burton' Table 206cm / 256 cm (extended) Brazil, 1958
Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Tables in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side tables, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanne...
Pine
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
Sergio Rodrigues Low Table/ Bench
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sergio Rodrigues Low Table/ Bench Executed in Jacaranda Wood for OCA Exotic grain pattern Understated and elegant details to the leg structure complete the design
Jacaranda
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanned...
Pine
Clara Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
'Clara' Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, features beautifully grained Brazilian Caviona Wood, Aluminum, and signature trestle base with six drawers. Produced in circa 1960s...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Wood Center Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern wood center table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s Center table created in the 1960s by the acclaimed Brazilian designer...
Plywood, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Pair of Sergio Rodrigues “Yara” Jacarandá Side Tables, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of Sergio Rodrigues’ architectural restraint, the “Yara” side tables distill structure, proportion, and material integrity into a compact yet powerful form. Designe...
Chrome
Sergio Rodrigues “Burton” Dining Table in Freijó & Polished Black Stone, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and early example of Sergio Rodrigues’ celebrated “Burton” model, designed in 1958 for Oca, this dining table captures the architectonic boldness that defined B...
Stone, Brass
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, coffee table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues in Lacquered Wood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian modern "Augusto" round coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1991 Black lacquered wood and marble top Sergio and Adolpho were already old acquaintances when, in 1991, the entr...
Marble
Sergio Rodrigues, Dining table "Ilidio", wood, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Model table 'Ilidio' created in 1965 by Sergio Rodrigues. This table presents itself as a summary of the style of Sergio Rodrigues, who made him "the most Brazilian designer". It is ...
Metal
Dining table Redig, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Whitstable, GB
Mid-Century Modern "Redig" dining table by Brazilian Designer Sergio Rodrigues, 1950s. The name of the piece is certainly a reference to architect Olavo Redig de Santos, a fellow ar...
Hardwood
Bar Cart in Brazilian Rosewood (Jacarandá) by Sergio Rodrigues Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in proportion and materiality, this bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the sculptural restraint that defines Brazilian modernism of the 1960s. Executed in richly fig...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern "Alex" Side Table in Freijo & Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, the Alex side table is a distilled expression of Brazilian modernism at its most architectural and humanistic. Compact in scale yet rich in...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Magrini Stool (2 units) by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1963 by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by his iconic company Oca, the Magrini Stool embodies the warmth and ingenuity of Brazilian modern desi...
Leather, Rosewood
Desk in Solid Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side desk is a mid-20th century Brazilian furniture piece designed by Sergio Rodrigues, made with Freijó wood. Freijó is a type of timber that is often used in Brazilian furnitu...
Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, coffee table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
“Cuiaba” Dining Table in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1970’s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), the “Cuiabá” dining table reflects the architect-designer’s commitment to structural legibility and the expressive potential of Brazilian ha...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Dining or Conference Table in Rosewood, Metal, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, this large dining and conference table belongs to the Beg family, a group of works developed to address collective use within institutional...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues 'Burton' Dining Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Whitstable, GB
Stunning Brazilian extension dining table designed by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, Brazil, 1958. Largely constructed in solid wood and brass hardware details. The round edged top featur...
Brass
Sérgio Rodrigues “Alex” Coffee Table, Brazil, ca. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
The “Alex” table by Sérgio Rodrigues (1927–2014) is a refined example of Brazilian mid‑century modernism, produced by Oca around 1960. The “Alex” table by Sérgio Rodrigues (1927–201...
Marble, Brass
50's Dressing table with drawers, Móveis Cimo, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite chest of dressing table was expertly crafted in the 1950s by the esteemed Brazilian manufacturer, Móveis Cimo. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and ex...
Wood
Freijó Wood Bar Cart with Chrome Wheels by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues, this bar cart reflects the designer’s ability to balance informality, material richness, and inventive function. Constructed from freijó ha...
Steel
"Alex" Round Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this modern dining table is made of Rosewood (Jacaranda). Created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1960, the round dining table, named as "Alex" has th...
Rosewood
Midcentury Modern Console in Hardwood & Chrome Wheels. Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Executed in solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), this console reflects the material richness and structural clarity that define mid-century Brazilian modern design. The composition ...
Chrome
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Dining Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
Stella Round Expandable Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This expandable table is an example of the inventive designs by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014). The four-seat table made of solid Rosewood with a veneered top is extendable for six sea...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Round Wooden Dining Table "Stella" Oca mid-century Brazil 1956
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) Round dining table model “Stella” Manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1956 Jacaranda wood, brass, iron Measurements 122 cm diameter x 73 height cm 48 in diamet...
Brass, Iron
"Alex" Round Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Alex table is a rounded table made in solid Rosewood (Jacaranda), with both feet and top cross-shaped. Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014), this modern dining ta...
Rosewood
Slatted Coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Jabour
By Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Jabour
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Jabour and Sergio Rodrigues for the offices of Manchete TV and Editora in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. Sergio Rodrigues's most important commissions...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Pair of Brazilian Rosewood & White Marble Side Tables, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and architecturally grounded pair of side tables designed by Sergio Rodrigues, one of the most important figures in Brazilian modern design. Executed in richly grained Braz...
Marble
Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Rosewood, Glass
'Alex' Coffee Table in Marble and Wood, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Alex coffee table, designed by the esteemed Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues in 1960, is a testament to his ability to create furniture that captures the essence of Brazil's c...
Stone, Marble
Side Table, by Sergio Rodrigues, 20th Mid-Century Brazilian Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This side table by Sergio Rodrigues is a quintessential piece of mid-century Brazilian furniture design, which combines elegance with practical functionality. The table features a r...
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Desk with four drawers in Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sérgio Rodrigues, this desk exemplifies the designer’s ability to combine robust construction with refined material expression. Crafted from solid Brazilian ...
Wood, Hardwood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid jacarandá (Brazilian rosewood), this bar cart reflects the measured functionality and material refinement characteristic of Brazilian mid-century design. Its rectili...
Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Bar Cart with Removable Trays, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This bar cart, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, demonstrates the designer’s ability to elevate auxiliary furniture through thoughtful construction and material intelligence...
Chrome
$11,100Sale Price|26% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
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
Latini Coffee Table Design by Sergio Rodrigues, Oca, Brazil, 1960.
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1924-2014) in the 1960s and produced by Oca, Latini is a round coffee table of solid Rosewood and a glass top. The base is a four-leg cross piece with ...
Wood, Glass
Brazilian Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1970's
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Lisboa, PT
This side table was designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, in Brazil during the 1970's. Is is made of mutenye wood, with a simple design that makes the beauty of the wood ...
Wood
Pair of Side Tables by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A striking pair that distills Rodrigues’ design language into its most essential form. The circular tops, rendered in richly figured jacarandá rosewood, rest upon sculptural crucifor...
Metal
Brazilian Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1970's
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
This side table was designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, in Brazil during the 1970's. Is is made of mutenye wood, with a simple design that makes the beauty of the wood shine. It was completely restored. With label of the manufacture underneath. In 1955, Sergio Rodrigues created "Oca, the store that revolutionized the idea of furniture in Rio de Janeiro.(...) At first, Oca sold furniture...
Wood
“Arimelo” Side Tables in Brazilian Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Arimelo side tables by Sergio Rodrigues are rare and highly significant examples of his early production, representing a formative moment in the development of ...
Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues. Table "Alex". Hardwood, c. 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this model table "Alex" is a reference in the designer's style. With its solid wood structure composed of a large central pillar with a square s...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues, Tea Trolley "Vertis", c. 1960. Solid wood, white Formica
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) Tea Trolley "Vertis", circa 1960 Solid wood, white Formica on the trays, and metal wheels Dimensions: 77 x 72 x 43 cm (30.3 x 28.4 x 16.9 in) Designed i...
Metal
Rosewood Dining table / Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, REDIG Brazil 1950's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist "Redig" dining table by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, 1950s. Table measures 55" W (closed) x 31"D. Retains it's original 16" "butterfly" self storing leaf. (...
Stainless Steel
Sergio Rodrigues, Dining Table, "Alex", c. 1960. Solid Wood and Glass
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed in 1960 by Sergio Rodrigues, this "Alex" model table is a reference in the designer's style. With its solid wood structure composed of a large central pillar with a square s...
Metal
Rosewood Bar Cart by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart was designed by Sérgio Rodrigues and made in Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda). Good vintage condition with original chromed casters. The prolific architect and designe...
Formica, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this midcentury bar cart made in solid hardwood is stunning! The bar cart is composed of one big door, two shelves with a bottle holder and four (original) wheels th...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Console in Hardwood & Chrome Wheels, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century console is executed in Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), combining solid construction with richly figured veneer panels. The composition reflects the disciplined mater...
Chrome
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood with Shelf by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), this bar cart reflects the relaxed material sensibility and structural directness that came to define Brazilian modern design during the 1...
Glass, Hardwood
Cimba Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, coffee table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine