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.
Antônio Julião. Wood Sculpture
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Exceptional sculpture made by artist Antônio Julião, one of the great exponents of Brazilian popular art. This piece of museological importance was made in the 1970's and is one of the richest sculptures made by said artist, where he generously sculptured several tropical animals...
Wood
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Brown Agate Geode Crystal on Wood Stand
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is brown Agate Geode from Brazil. It's hue is very rich. It sits on a carved wooden tripod interlocking base. The beautiful brown Agate Geode is encrusted inside a rock tan in c...
Agate
Two Adorable Elephant Calves Made Out of Lucite by Abraham Palatnik Brazil
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
These two young elephants have there own colored covers; one in red the other in green. They seem to search for there parents. Both youngsters are signed with "Pal". The Brazili...
Lucite
João De Barro Nest Wall Separating + Sculpture by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
João de Barro nest wall separating by Mameluca Material: clay, carboard, others Dimensions: D 300x H 250 cm Scientific Name - Rufous Hornero (Gmelin, 1788) The couple builds t...
Clay, Paper
Sculptural Vessel by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Ceramic
$11,335 / item
São Paulo 01 Totem by Gabriela Campos
Located in Geneve, CH
São Paulo 01 Totem by Gabriela Campos Dimensions: W 36 x D 36 x H 120 cm. Materials: American Oak, Freijó. ESTÚDIO MAIS ALMA moves toward the authentic and the unique, whether in ...
Oak
Large Kyanite Mineral Adorned with Silver Leaf Shells, Kyanite & Baroque Pearls
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
Kyanite adorned with silver leaf shells, silver plated kyanite, and natural-forming baroque pearls. This is one of the largest forms of kyanite found. It is incredibly rare and alm...
Rock Crystal, Silver Leaf
Madagascan Fossil Tree Trunk Slice
Located in London, by appointment only
Madagascan fossil tree trunk slice. Measures: 25 cm. 29 cm. 5 cm.
Stone
Mod.01 "Carbono" Vase by Domingos Tótora, Brazil 2019
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This organic shell vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime example of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Additionally,...
Paper
Purple Fluorapatite with Tourmaline, Golconda pegmatite field, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Purple Fluorapatite with Tourmaline Golconda pegmatite field, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil 7.1cm tall X 5.7cm wide This unique apatite and tourmaline are a minimalist ...
Other
$5,300
Sculpture by Jacque Faus
Located in São Paulo, BR
The shapes of Faus’s receptacles and recipients are, by themselves, objects of free assimilation, that comes into existence through a process of assemblage, rather than from a previo...
Ceramic
$1,312 / item
Charlie Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlie bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Charlie bowl / ashtray / centerpiece / candle holder / card holder F...
Bronze
Elvio Becheroni “Totem” Abstract Sculpture, 1988
By Elvio Becheroni
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Elvio Becheroni “Totem” Abstract Sculpture, Wood, Brazil, 1988 Elvio Becheroni designed the Totem sculpture in 1988 as a statement on environmental issues. Crafted from Pau Brasil w...
Wood
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Specimen Of Rare Rutile With Hematite Minerals From Brazil
Located in Peshawar, PK
Specimen Type: Rutile with Hematite Weight: 142 grams Dimension: 8.7 x W: 4.5 x D: 3.2 cm Origin: Horizonto, Bahia, Brazil Treatment: None This natural specimen of rare Rutile ...
Crystal
$16,538 / item
São Paulo 03 Totem by Gabriela Campos
Located in Geneve, CH
São Paulo 03 Totem by Gabriela Campos Dimensions: W 36 x D 36 x H 180 cm. Materials: American Oak, Freijó. ESTÚDIO MAIS ALMA moves toward the authentic and the unique, whether in ...
Oak
$2,322 / item
O'Connor Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
O'Connor bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 41.5 cm D 16 cm H 9.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pro...
Bronze
$986
Rare Agate Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural Amethyst Geode with Agate Matrix, Crystal Caves & Scenic Mineral Patterns ▫️ Description ▫️ This natural Amethyst Geode is defined by its unusual internal landscape, where ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Pair of Natural Black Lace Agate Geodes with White Agate Centers
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Pair of Natural Black Lace Agate Geodes with White Agate Centers ▫️ Description A rare and highly distinctive pair of natural Agate Geodes from Brazil, these matching specimen...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Undyed Black Lace Agate Geode with White Agate Center
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Natural Black Lace Agate Geode with White Agate Center ▫️ Description A rare and highly distinctive natural Agate Geode from Brazil, this specimen is defined by its deep black...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Natural Black Lace Agate Geode with White Agate Center
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Natural Black Lace Agate Geode with White Agate Center ▫️ Description A rare and highly distinctive natural Agate Geode from Brazil, this specimen is defined by its deep black...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Black and White Lace Agate Slice
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural Black and White Lace Agate Slice with rare Red Amethyst Druzy & Rare Eye Formations ▫️ Description A natural artwork in mineral form, this polished Agate Slice combines ele...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA-Grade Brazilian Amethyst Cluster with Rare Cristobalite Inclusions
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA-Grade Amethyst Cluster with Rare Cristobalite Inclusions – Deep Grape Jelly Purple on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ Exceptionally rare and visually distinctive, this AAA-grade Brazil...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Natural Orange Citrine with Stalactite Rosettes And Calcite Flowers
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Citrine Cluster with Flower Stalactite Formations & Calcite Flowers ▫️ Description ▫️ Exceptional in both formation and rarity, this Citrine Crystal Cluster combines dozens of beau...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Mod.02 "Carbono" Vase by Domingos Tótora, Brazil 2019
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This organic shell vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime example of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Additionally,...
Paper
$1,963 / 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
$550Sale Price|50% Off
Rare Emerald Horse Head Bust Sculpture Genuine Natural Gemstone
Located in Somis, CA
A captivating horse bust hand-carved from genuine Brazilian emerald, showcasing the rare transformation of one of the world’s most precious gemstones into a refined work of art. The ...
Multi-gemstone
Brazilian Modern Taqueado Ice Bucket in Imbuia & Pau Marfim by Tropic-Art, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Made in Brazil in the 1960s, this Tropic-Art ice bucket brings a distinctly modern sensibility to an everyday bar accessory. Its clean cylindrical form is enlivened by taqueado const...
Imbuia
Large High-Grade Amethyst Sphere with Natural “Pac-Man” Opening
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Large Amethyst Sphere with Deep Purple Druzy and Natural “Pac-Man” Formation ▫️ Description This large amethyst sphere is a rare natural specimen, defined by its deep purple d...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Brazilian Agate Sculpture on Steel Stand, Unique Natural Decor, 6.5”
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a custom steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this t...
Agate
$11,500 / set
Pair of Rock Crystal Tazzas from Brazil
Located in Dallas, TX
This product is a pair of rock crystal tazzas sourced from Brazil. Known for its stunning beauty and unique properties, Brazilian rock crystal is a highly sought-after collectible am...
Rock Crystal
Brown Irregular Wood Post Modern Sculptural Wall Sculpture By Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Symbiotic wall by Mameluca Material: Brazilian woods cedar, jequitibá rosa Dimensions: D 300 x W 200 x H 350 cm With this goal, we created an intersection line that 'separates' ...
Wood
Franz Weissmann Brazilian Abstract Sculpture steel !979
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible abstract sculpture in steel by Franz Weissmann 1979
Steel
Quartz 'with Multi-Zoned Inclusions'
Located in New York, NY
Quartz (with multi-zoned inclusions) Novo Horizonte, Bahia, Brazil 19.1 cm tall x 12.9 cm wide 12% of the Earth’s crust is quartz, making it among the most common of all min...
Other
Mid-Century Op-Art Lucite 12" Tall Giraffe Sculpture by Artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in St. Louis, MO
Tall 12" tall Giraffe animal sculpture by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik, made of Lucite with bold black graphic details. In very nice condition, no yellowing like other examples ...
Lucite
Large Pair of AAA Citrine Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA-Grade Pair of Large Citrine Cathedral Geodes – from Ametista do Sul, Brazil ▫️ Description As we say in Brazil, “Fora de Série” — something truly exceptional, outside the ordin...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Large AAA Citrine Cathedral Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA-Grade Large Citrine Geode – Super Extra Cathedral from Ametista do Sul, Brazil ▫️ Description As we say in Brazil, “Fora de Série” — something truly exceptional, outside the or...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Large AAA Citrine Cathedral Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA-Grade Large Citrine Geode with Calcite – Super Extra Cathedral from Ametista do Sul, Brazil ▫️ Description As we say in Brazil, “Fora de Série” — something truly exceptional, o...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Blue Lace Agate Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Blue Lace Agate Geode with Delicate Striped Banding & Sparkling Amethyst Druzy ▫️ Description A rare and highly artistic Blue Lace Agate Geode, this specimen combines hundreds...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Golden Citrine Crystal Flower Cluster on Stand
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Deep Golden Citrine Flower Crystal Cluster on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ This beautiful medium-sized Citrine Crystal Flower Cluster combines rich golden-yellow to orange color, well-f...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Large Golden Orange Citrine Crystal Cluster
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Deep Golden Orange Citrine Crystal Cluster on Custom Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ This high-grade Citrine Crystal Cluster combines a rich golden-orange color with dense crystal growth, ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Golden Orange Citrine Crystal Cluster with Botryoidal Rosettes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Golden Orange Citrine Crystal Cluster with Botryoidal Rosettes & Galaxy Druzy on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ A gorgeous and rare Citrine Crystal Cluster, this beauty combines rich gold...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Large Golden Citrine Flower Crystal Cluster on Stand
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Deep Golden Citrine Flower Cluster on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ This beautiful medium-sized Citrine Crystal Flower Cluster combines rich golden-yellow to orange color, well-formed c...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Golden Citrine Portal Crystal with White Agate Frame
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural Citrine Crystal Ring on Custom Stand – Golden Orange Geode with Polished White Agate Frame ▫️ Description ▫️ Naturally formed in a beautiful ring-like shape, this citrine c...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Potiche
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Glazed ceramic potiche featuring a timeless silhouette and a refined finish that highlights the richness of the glaze. Its understated design allows it to function as both a decorati...
Ceramic
Modern Fruit Bowl "Utopia", in Brazilian Wood and Natural Copper, Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Copper and wood fruit bowl, Modern styled inspired with geometry than enhances raw excepcional and rare natural material and textures, imbuia and copper - By Brazilian Designer Maker Atelier BAM Design of São Paulo. The modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas, Oscar Niemeyer, and a few others; giving a legacy maintained by contemporary architects like Isay Weinfeld...
Copper
Abraham Palatnik Lucite Acrylic Sculpture Doves Bird Brazil, 1970s
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Doves bird sculpture in Lucite and acrylic by Abraham Palatnik, circa 1970.
Resin, Acrylic, Lucite
Roberto Moriconi steel sculpture 1974
By Roberto Moriconi
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Roberto Moriconi sculpture in steel and wood 1974.
Steel
Rock Crystal Lamp , Epitaxy , Rare
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An amazing find of a Smokey Quarts with a Parasite double ended Crystal attached to it . The Custom designed all Bronze base to support the crystal has an ( LED ) light installed in...
Rock Crystal
Polished Cast Brass Figa Dupla Door Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Figa Dupla Door Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 13 x D 8 x H 6 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stud...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Calice Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Calice Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 12 x H 18 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: ...
Metal
Zebra Lucite Acrylic Sculpture by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Acrylic Lucite Zebra Sculpture by Abraham Palatnik A stunning acrylic zebra sculpture by renowned Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik. This piece is a true modern work of art that comb...
Acrylic
$4,333 / item
Large Vase by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Large vase by Aver Dimensions: D 26 x H 40 cm Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
Dark Grey Agate Sculpture on Steel Stand, Brazilian Natural Specimen
Located in New York, NY
Dark grey Brazilian thick slice of agate mounted on a steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make th...
Agate
Pescador Series, Concrete and Brass Wall Mounted Fisherman Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES PESCADOR The fisherman offers beautiful metaphors to life. His daily life, full of uncertainties and hope, is the basis for this artistic creation of Estúdio Iludi....
Concrete, Brass
Domingos Tótora "Vaso Orgânico Casca mod.04", Brazil 21st Century
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This organic sculpture by contemporary artist Domingos Tótora is a visual expression of the artist’s view of design. Tótora creates objects and sculptures where beauty is inseparable...
Paper
Domingos Tótora "Escultura Âmago Mod.06", Brazil 21st Century
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This organic sculpture by contemporary artist Domingos Tótora is a visual expression of the artist’s view of design. Tótora creates objects and sculptures where beauty is inseparable...
Paper
Mid-Century Modern tray. Brazil 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern tray crafted in imbuia with meticulous detail.
Hardwood
Polished Cast Brass Garra Door Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Garra Door Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 14 x D 6 x H 33 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio O...
Metal
$1,393
Polished Amethyst Geode
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Polished Geode split in two, Amethyst inside and Agate Outside.
Agate, Amethyst
Roberto Moriconi 1974 steel and wood base.
By Roberto Moriconi
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful sculpture in steel and wood by ROBERTO MORICONI 1974. Futuristic.
Steel
The French sculptor shaped dense blocks into tactile forms meant to be used and held.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.