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 '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
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
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
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
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
"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
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
Mid-Century Modern Regid Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Regid dining table with a marble top is one of the most known designs made by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by Oca within the mid-century design context. The solid structure com...
Marble
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, 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 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
"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
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
“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
Dining Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Rosewood, Glass
Cimba Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, Rosewood & Walnut, Italy, 1940-1950
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern dining room table made of hand crafted polished Rosewood with a round Walnut top, in good condition. The sculpture table...
Metal, Brass
1960s Scandinavian Modern Danish Solid Teak Round Dining Table
By Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, Eero Saarinen
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Very elegant 1960s round dining table Made in Denmark, unusually constructed from solid teak wood (not veneered). Quintessential Scandinavian Modern design: minimal, fine materials, highly practical, clean smooth lines, sturdy construction and timeless aesthetic. The table has a diameter of 40 in (100 cm) and a single leg, which achieves an uncluttered appearance under the table and buttressing into four feet that rise a low profile parallel to the floor. This leg form in teak bears a striking resemblance to the iconic La Fonda base by Charles Eames, which was cast in Aluminum. Table height is standard 28.5 in (72 cm). The leg and feet are also carved from beautiful solid, strait grained teak. The table has been professionally refinished in a hard wax oil which faithfully presents the original look and feel whilst providing contemporary levels of robust protection. The table has only extremely minor signs of wear considering the age and use. This timeless table shows every promise of gracing a kitchen or dining room for another 60 years, and then some. The contemporaneous cognac leather shell chairs...
Steel
$17,900
H 29 in W 78.75 in D 39.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Extendable Dining Table by Vittorio Introini, Italy
By Saporiti, Vittorio Introini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian extendable geometric dining room table made of hand crafted polished Mahogany and Rosewood, designed by Vittorio Introini and produce...
Metal, Chrome
Giorgio Collection Brazilian Rosewood Dining Table in Satin Finish
By Giorgio Collection
Located in New York, NY
Rectangular table in Brazilian rosewood satin finish with Italian walnut inlay top with 2 extension of cm. 48 (19”) each. Brushed steel accents on the base. Art Deco Size 78’’ ½ W ...
Stainless Steel
$21,600Sale Price|25% Off
H 15 in W 59 in D 24 in
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, 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
$3,500
H 13.78 in W 40.56 in D 20.08 in
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
Mid-Century Modern Rutter Dining Table after Isamu Noguchi in Birch
By Herman Miller, Isamu Noguchi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed Rutter dining table after Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller. It features flamed birch plywood construction with steel hairpin legs. Overall all in very good cond...
Steel
$3,352Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in Dm 44.89 in
Italian Midcentury Extendable Dining Table by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Dassi Mobili Moderni, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Stylish Italian Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Vittorio Dassi and produced by Dassi Mobili Moderni in 1950-1960. The table is extendable, adding one or two leaves and su...
Teak
Midcentury Dining Table by Paul Evans for Directional
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning vintage dining table by Paul Evans for Directional. Beautiful patchwork burl wood design that sits on a pedestal base with chrom...
Chrome
“Alex” Dining Table in Hardwood & Glass by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This “Alex” dining table perfectly represents the Brazilian modernist movement and the architects hired to design and furnish the new capital Brasilia in 1960. It belonged to Furnas,...
Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 52.4 in D 38.2 in
Midcentury Expandable Dining Table in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this Midcentury Expandable Dining Table in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues made in the 60s in Brazil is a true one-of-a-kind piece. The table is entirely made of Braz...
Hardwood, Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in Dm 39.4 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern Mid-Century Modern dining table entirely made in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s is not only extremely rare but spectacular! The name of this model is “Alex” and is made entirely in Brazilian Rosewood & Rosewood veneer featuring a wood structure with “X” shape and a tabletop also in rosewood. The table has been refinished and the tabletop has been beautifully foliated with old rosewood veneer too. The table is showcased in our gallery next to four delicate Giuseppe Scapinelli dining chairs also in Rosewood contrasting nicely and highlighting the jacaranda in a beautiful way. This midcentury gem would look great in any Mid-Century Modern, or postmodern type environment and the iconic design and Size will make this desk an absolute must in everyone’s Mid-Modern Century collection. For the history buffs here, it goes…Sergio Rodrigues started working in the 1950s when the foundations of modern Brazilian architecture were already laid out, yet furniture design was still nascent. Rodrigues set himself the task of designing furniture that was both truly Brazilian and modernist at the same time. Over the course of his career, he accomplished this task by defining a robust, modern, and pure language reflected in his work. Literature: Copy of Oca’s manufacture manual showcasing the actual Alex model Sergio Rodrigues book...
Hardwood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 55.12 in D 29.14 in
Midcentury Modern Table in Hardwood & Chrome by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern table is called “Redig”. The structure has a double “T” base in solid Jacaranda (Brazilian rosewood), top...
Chrome
Sergio Rodrigues "Alex" Jacaranda Dining Table for Oca, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Miami, FL
Original Alex dining table with 55" round Jacaranda tapered top on a Jacaranda base designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA, Brazil 1960s. Note: Item ships from Centro - Ri...
Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood Dining or Center Table, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous 1960s Jacaranda Rosewood dining table by Sergio Rodrigues, named the 'Alex' table, features one of the most vivid and vibrant Brazilian Rosewood tops that we've ever se...
Rosewood
Tajá Dining Table, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Tajá dining table designed Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil. A dining table with slat top that originally designed for outdoor use.
Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 97.25 in D 39 in
Dining Table in Brazilian Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful rosewood dining table, designed by Sergio Rodrigues. Feet, legs and stretcher are solid rosewood, top is veneered with solid beveled edges. The table is extendable with an ...
Rosewood
Vintage Rosewood Norma Game Table by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern Norma game and dining room table designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil. This versatile piece displays a reversible finished rosewood top and a green felted playing ...
Felt, Jacaranda, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues "Alex" Dining Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Rodrigues "Alex" dining table. A dining table by Sergio Rodrigues with jacaranda base and etched white marble top. Brazil, circa 1950s.
Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues Extension Dining Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian rosewood dining table with one hidden butterfly leaf. Superb quality construction and attention to detail. Perfectly refinished and ready to enjoy, include...
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 98.43 in D 38.98 in
Alex Dining Table in Jacaranda by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960 Brazilian Midcentury
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian midcentury dining table in jacaranda by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, 1960 Rodrigues prefers to use massive wood; -plywood o...
Metal