More often than not, vintage mid-century Brazilian furniture designs, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, unique quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American and Scandinavian makers of the same era.
Commencing in the 1940s and '50s, a group of architects and designers transformed the local cultural landscape in Brazil, merging the modernist vernacular popular in Europe and the United States with the South American country's traditional techniques and indigenous materials.
Key mid-century influencers on Brazilian furniture design include natives Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues and José Zanine Caldas as well as such European immigrants as Joaquim Tenreiro, Jean Gillon and Jorge Zalszupin. These creators frequently collaborated; for instance, Niemeyer, an internationally acclaimed architect, commissioned many of them to furnish his residential and institutional buildings.
The popularity of Brazilian modern furniture has made household names of these designers and other greats. Their particular brand of modernism is characterized by an émigré point of view (some were Lithuanian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Portuguese, and Italian), a preference for highly figured indigenous Brazilian woods, a reverence for nature as an inspiration and an atelier or small-production mentality.
Hallmarks of Brazilian mid-century design include smooth, sculptural forms and the use of native woods like rosewood, jacaranda and pequi. The work of designers today exhibits many of the same qualities, though with a marked interest in exploring new materials (witness the Campana Brothers' stuffed-animal chairs) and an emphasis on looking inward rather than to other countries for inspiration.
Find a collection of vintage Brazilian furniture on 1stDibs that includes chairs, sofas, tables and more.
Brazilian Agate Onyx and Wood Round Jewelry Trinket Box, Brazil, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A round Brazilian agate onyx and wood trinket or jewelry box, in the Modern style Post-Modern period, circa-late 20th century, 1980s early 1990s, Brazil. Box has a rich brown wood wi...
Onyx, Agate
$1,664 / item
Pearl Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl box by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 26 cm D 14 cm H 9 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of hig...
Bronze
$1,664 / item
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 28 cm D 12 cm H 10 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting, ...
Bronze
$1,688 / item
REM Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
REM box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15.5 cm D 15.5 cm H 13 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Bronze
$1,484 / item
Dido Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dido Box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15.5 cm D 15.5 cm H 9 Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting, ...
Bronze
$1,584 / item
H 3.94 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Tronador Square Blue Onyx Box by AIREDELSUR, Hand-Carved Design
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Stone, Onyx
Vintage wooden Trinket Jewelry Box
Located in Seattle, WA
This Vintage wooden box possibly oak is perfect for trinkets or Jewelry. It has slidable and removable compartments. This Piece has nice patina and character. Vintage Condition as p...
Wood
1950s by Piero Fornasetti Midcentury Italian Design Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Brescia, IT
Serigraphy on metal, wood box Excellent condition.
Metal
$1,533 / item
H 9.8 in W 15.7 in D 11.8 in
"David" Leather Box Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
By Claude Bouchard, Oscar Maschera
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"David" is a leather box, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, made of genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors combination to be chosen from the ...
Leather
$991 / item
H 4.3 in W 11.8 in D 11.4 in
"Tom" Leather Box Designed by Claude Bouchard for Oscar Maschera
By Oscar Maschera, Claude Bouchard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Tom" is a leather box, designed by Claude Bouchard and manufactured by Oscar Maschera, and is part of Foglia Couture collection. Genuine Italian leather vegetable tanned. Colors com...
Leather
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
H 3.5 in W 7 in D 4.5 in
Huge Malachite Box 7" Gemstone Jewelry Box Hinged 4.5 lb
Located in Somis, CA
This magnificent, large 4.15 lb malachite box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of fine-grade gemstone malachite. The carefully selected stone displ...
Malachite
$156Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.8 in W 7.2 in D 3.25 in
Chase USA Art Deco Chrome and Wood Trinket Jewelry Box
By Chase and Co.
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Classic Rectangular Art Deco Box from Chase USA. Both form and function best describe this piece. We see this decorative box holding favorite trinkets as well as sitting on a coffee...
Metal, Chrome
Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.
Suede, Mahogany
$1,320 / item
H 3.94 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Tronador Square Cream Onyx Box by AIREDELSUR, Hand-Carved Design
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Stone, Onyx
$395
H 2.5 in W 6 in D 4 in
Vintage Italian Natural Onyx Stone and Metal Desk Stash Jewelry Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful decorative colorful natural onyx stone stash/jewelry box. Has metal with a gold color accents. The natural color and form is wonderful. In very nice original condition with...
Onyx
$740 / item
H 4.73 in W 8.67 in D 2.37 in
Tafi Large Onyx Oval Box by AIREDELSUR, Hand-Carved Modern Design
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Tafi oval box, it is made entirely by hand in alpaca metal and onyx stone. It comes in three different sizes and you can choose between four different onyx stone colors: black, white/cream, blue or bordeaux Our pieces are made by hand. One of a kind. All natural stones may vary in color. About AIREDELSUR: With its rustic chic personality and the elegant designs of Marcelo Lucini...
Stone, Onyx
small mother-of-pearl box
Located in Brussels, BE
small mother-of-pearl box
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Sold
H 1.88 in W 8.25 in D 4.75 in
Brazilian Mid-Century Jacaranda Jewelry Box with Geometric Marquetry and Key
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian Jacaranda jewelry box with geometric marquetry both outside and under the lid. Box retains key and lock is functioning. Brazil, 1960s.
Metal
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Resin and Patinated Bronze Jewel Box
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Brazilian modern green resin box with patinated bronze inlay circa 1970s.
Bronze
Sold
H 4.25 in W 8 in D 5.5 in
Studio Maison Nurita Large Clear Quartz / Rock Crystal Box with Aventurine Frog
Located in Toronto, ON
This gorgeous clear quartz/rock crystal box with a green aventurine carved frog lid by Studio Maison Nurita is an exceptionally unique and whimsical piece....
Quartz
Contemporary Medium Rock Crystal Clear Quartz Box with Lid
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning contemporary medium clear quartz rock crystal box. Beautifully carved by hand in an exceptional quality and clarity of rock crystal. Newly produced in the gem rich city of...
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Brazilian Modern Patinated Brass and Lucite Box, 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Patinated brass jewelry or trinket box with lucite handle. Brazil, 1950s.
Brass
18th Century Brazilian Cashbox
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wood & Metal Banded Cashbox.
Metal