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.
$6,832 / 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
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Large Pipe Holder in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in the 1960s, this pipe holder reflects the sculptural clarity and material sensitivity that define the designer’s contribution to Brazilian moder...
Hardwood
Bronze Modern Green Patinated Bronze Abstract Sculpture on Granite Base, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Modern patinated bronze abstract sculpture on granite base circa 1980s. Signed by unknown artist.
Granite, Bronze
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
Humberto Cozzo Art Deco bronze circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Very sexy bronze by HUMBERTO COZZO art deco circa 1930.
Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Candle Lamp in Silver Metal, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century chrome candle floor lamp is defined by its disciplined verticality and sculptural restraint. Rising from a circular, weighted base, a polished chrome column extends ...
Metal, Chrome
$4,389 / 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
Transparent Textured Glass Vase
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
A transparent textured glass vase with a sculptural silhouette and a richly tactile surface that beautifully captures and diffuses light. Its understated design makes it a versatile ...
Glass
Bronze Letter Opener in the Form of a Foot by Pietrina Checcacci, Brazil, 1980s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Whimsical yet elegant letter opener designed by Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci, crafted in solid bronze in the form of a stylized foot. Created in Brazil circa 1980, the piece r...
Bronze
Pair of Brazilian Jacaranda Sculptures Depicting Lampião and Maria Bonita, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
A striking pair of sculptural figures depicting Lampião and Maria Bonita, two of the most iconic characters in Brazilian history and folklore. Crafted in Brazil circa 1970 from solid...
Rosewood
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
$1,859 / 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
Bowl, Centerpiece in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Bowl, centerpiece in polished bronze by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 36 x D 12 x H 7 cm. Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
Ramon Ramirez - hammered copper bowl. Circa 1960.
By R Ramirez
Located in Branford, CT
Ramon Ramirez - hammered copper bowl. Circa 1960. H 3-1/2" D 9-1/2". Condition: Minor surface imperfections. No damage noted.
Copper
X-Large Orange Citrine Heart on Stand
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
X-Large (17 Lb) Citrine Heart with Deep Orange Druzy ▫️ Description This one-of-a-kind orange citrine heart was carefully hand-carved to preserve and highlight the most beautiful n...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
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
X-Large AAA Madeira Orange Citrine Cluster
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
X-Large AAA Madeira Orange Citrine Cluster with Sparkly Galaxy Druzy ▫️ Description ▫️ This X-large AAA Madeira orange citrine cluster was handpicked for its intense color, excepti...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
‘Narciso’ Vessel by Gianfranco Briceño, Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
‘Narciso’ Vessel by Gianfranco Briceño. One-of-a-kind, signed, and handmade by the artist in porcelain, chamotte, and enamel. Gianfranco Briceño is a Peruvian-born artist, sculptor,...
Enamel
Mid-Century Modern Large Resin Leopard by Abraham Palatnik Brazil , 1970s
Located in Delft, NL
Mid-Century Modern Large Resin Leopard by Abraham Palatnik Brazil , 1970s
Lucite
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
$3,298 / item
Center Piece, Small Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Center piece, small quartz points. by Aver Dimensions: D 35 x H 27 cm. Materials: quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
Contemporary Wall Mounted Sculpture from 'Delta' Series by James Rowland
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
A piece from the 'Delta' abstract sculpture series by James Rowland made from Brazilian hard wood with brass inlay. Scottish Artist and furniture Design...
Wood
Rock Crystal, Mounted, Smokey Quartz, Lamp Special Made Base, Brass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Smokey Quartz point with Rutilated strands throughout, hi polished and made with light in the Custom hexagon brass baes. Fantastic when it is...
Rock Crystal
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
Mid-century Modern Parrot Sculpture by Abraham Palatnik, 1960s
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in New York, NY
These works are part of Abraham Palatnik’s collection of vintage mid-century Lucite sculptures, inspired by Brazil’s diverse fauna. All pieces are made of acrylic and pigment. Palatn...
Acrylic
Vintage Rosenthal Lead Crystal Heart Bud Vase or Paper Weight
By Rosenthal Netter
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Rosenthal lead crystal heart vase. These heavy, handcrafted pieces were often made in Brazil and are designed to function as both a decorative sculp...
Acrylic
Mod.03 "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
Rock Crystal Point, Mounted in Silver Plate Base, Famous Design, Rare Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A great find of a large almost clear quartz crystal that was custom mounted on special designed base after the original by (Gustave Miklos). The only ot...
Rock Crystal
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
Rock Crystal Point , % 98 Clear, Brass Base No Chips, Very Rare This Clear
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An almost perfectly clear rock crystal point from Brazil. Custom mounted in a solid brass base with ball decorations from a private collection. Very...
Rock Crystal
Roberto Moriconi steel sculpture 1974
By Roberto Moriconi
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Wonderful Roberto Moriconi sculpture in steel and wood 1974.
Steel
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Indigo
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
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
Modern Abstract Geometric Bronze Sculpture on Black Granite Base, Brazil 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract modern bronze sculpture of three people on black granite base, Brazil 1980s. Artist unknown.
Granite, Bronze
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
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
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Beet
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Giraffe Sculpture by Abraham Palatnik, 1960's
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in New York, NY
This piece is one of Abraham Palatnik's (1928–2020) collectible vintage Mid-Century Lucite sculptures inspired by Brazilian diverse fauna. All made of acrylic and pigment. He was an ...
Acrylic
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
'Narciso' Vessel by Gianfranco Briceño, Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
‘Narciso’ Vessel by Gianfranco Briceño. One-of-a-kind, signed, and handmade by the artist in porcelain, chamotte, and enamel. Brazil, 2021. Gianfranco Briceño is a Peruvian-born art...
Enamel
Madagascan Fossil Tree Trunk Slice
Located in London, by appointment only
Madagascan fossil tree trunk slice. Measures: 25 cm. 29 cm. 5 cm.
Stone
Natural Amethyst Geode Cluster with Rich Purple, Grape-Jelly Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Amethyst Geode Cluster with Saturated Deep Purple Druzy ▫️ Description An Amethyst geode cluster with a strong visual presence, defined by its deep, saturated purple color and a be...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (9.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 13" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Abstract Bronze Sculpture on Granite Base, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century modern abstract bronze sculpture on granite base by unknown artist. Brazil 1960s.
Granite, Bronze
$400 / item
Debbie Candlestick by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Debbie candlestick by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 6 cm D 5 cm H 24 cm each. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused o...
Bronze
$482 / item
Leo Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Leo candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 11 cm D 10 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on ...
Bronze
Hand-Thrown Brazilian Pottery Vase, Terracotta, Blue & Black, 2001
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A striking hand-thrown Brazilian studio pottery vase featuring an expressive hand-painted blue and black striped decoration over a warm terracotta clay body. The sculptural bottle fo...
Ceramic
Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood Box
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
beautifully hand-turned Rosewood box crafted in Brazil during the 1950s, showcasing the elegance and richness of South American hardwoods. The form is both simple and sculptural—cla...
Rosewood
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Classic Blue
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....
Leather
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
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
Airin Canedo brazilian multicolor sculpture circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AIRIN CANEDO multimaterials sculpture circa 1990.
Metal, Other
$5,200 / set
Pair of Rock Crystal Skulls on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of rock crystal skulls on a metal stand. Dimensions on stand: 7 ½"H x 8"W x 5"D Dimensions of single skull: 5 ½"H x 8"W x 5"D
Rock Crystal, Metal
Pair of Polished Rock Crystal Obelisks from Brazil
Located in Dallas, TX
Exquisite pair of large scale polished rock crystal obelisks from Brazil. A fabulous accessory that makes and impressive statement!
Rock Crystal
Concreto Collection, Fruit Table Sculpture (Set of Nine)
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
DÉBORA CRUZ FOR ESTÚDIO ILUDI Intersecting paths, which embroider and admire themselves, end up witnessing inevitable encounters. The name behind Pomelo Atelier, Débora Cruz, joins ...
Concrete, Steel
$235 / item
Crocodile Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11 cm D 11 cm H 0.6 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 2 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
Abrstract Bronze and Aluminum Sculpture Signed Palermo, Brazil 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract geometric bronze and aluminum sculpture on black base by Brazilian plastics artist Palermo, 1990s.
Aluminum, Bronze
Mid-Century Modern bowl.
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern bowl crafted with meticulous detail.
Hardwood
Quartz Cockatiel on White Granite and Tourmaline 2481
Located in Houston, TX
Hand-carved quartz cockatiel sculpture with white granite and tourmaline specimen set on marble base.
Quartz, Tourmaline, Granite
Contemporary Tall Thick Glass Vase, Black and Amber Accents, Brazil, 17" Tall
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Brazilian tall thick glass vase with triangular shaped opening. Black glass with amber colored accents. Sits nicely with shorter version ( S6998) and rounded style (S7000)
Glass
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.