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.
Contemporary Hand Carved Rock Crystal Clear Quartz Leaf Tray
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful hand carved leaf tray in natural, clear rock crystal quartz. Finely carved from a super clear quality of rock crystal and polished to a brilliant high gloss finish. A stu...
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Contemporary Hand Carved Rock Crystal Clear Quartz Leaf Tray
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful hand carved leaf tray in natural, clear rock crystal quartz. Finely carved from a super clear quality of rock crystal and polished to a brilliant high gloss finish. A stu...
Quartz, Rock Crystal
Set of 3 Midcentury Lucite Fish Designed by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This gracefully white adult mother fish guards her two black young ones with her life. The white fish measurements are 8,5 cm in height, 27,5 cm in length and 3 cm in depth. The bl...
Lucite
Exceptional Large Hand Carves Rock Crystal Rhino
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional large hand-carved rock crystal (quartz) rhino is a magnificent work of art that showcases the skill and craftsmanship of its creator. Standing at 4 inches in height ...
Rock Crystal
Polished Cast Brass Buzio G Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Buzio G Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 22 x D 14 x H 13 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: ...
Metal
Large Rock Crystal Specimen , Unique Shape
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stone is cut and polished in this unique shape . It has layers and layers on different stone in it . Have never seen one in this design . Purchased a long time ago in Rio Brazil...
Quartz
Sculpture by Luiza Miller, 1970
By Luiza Miller 1
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture by Luiza Miller Carrara marble from 1970.
Carrara Marble
$4,630 / set
Pair of Monumental Marajoara Urns, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Pair of Monumental Marajoara Urns, Brazil, 1970s Standing an impressive 95 cm high, this rare pair of monumental urns embodies the enduring spirit of Marajoara art, one of the most ...
Ceramic
Pair of Marble Ginga Vases by Gustavo Dias
By Gustavo Dias
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of Ginga vases by Gustavo Dias Zara chair wood: Different woods are available designer: Gustavo Dias Dimensions: Tall: 34 x 9 x 9 cm Short: 27 x 9 x 9 cm Available in wo...
Wood
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
Genuine Agate Geode Star on Custom Metal Stand (4.4", 8 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian quartz agate star has been carefully crafted and buffed to a glossy finish, showcasing a unique pattern of subtle natural banding. Inside the geode cavity is lined wit...
Agate, Crystal, Other
$4,472 / 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
Yutaka Toyota brazilian steel and wood wall sculpture 1982
By Yutaka Toyota
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible YUTAKA TOYOTA steel wall sculpture polychromed in blue in perfect conditions signed and dated 1982.
Steel
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
$492Sale Price|20% Off
Zanini de Zanine Escora Gold Candleholder
By Zanini de Zanine
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully sculptural candleholder by Zanini de Zanine. Regarded as one of the most renowned forces in art and design, Zanini de Zanine creates pieces that bring a strong presence i...
Steel
Quartz Crystal Cluster From (8 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and free-form shaped translucent quartz clusters from Brazil. This specimen has beautiful lustrous quartz crystals. A great gift and a beautiful display item in any room....
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Polished Rose Quartz Flame Freeform From Brazil (11.6 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
AAA quality, hand-polished flame free-form of natural gem translucent rose quartz from Brazil. This specimen has bright rich color, all sides hand polished to a smooth mirror finish....
Crystal, Other
Set of 2 Debbie Candlesticks by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Debbie candlesticks by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 6 cm D 5 cm H 24 cm each. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-e...
Bronze
$5,000 / 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
Abraham Palatnik. Op Art Cat Sculpture in Polyester Resin 1970's
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Huge Brazilian modern kinetic sculpture made of acrylic resin designed by Abraham Palatnik, part of Artemis Collection made in the 1970's. This is the biggest version of the aforemen...
Resin, Acrylic
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Floreira Flower Bowl, Footed, Circa 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Floreira’ Flower Bowl Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches (round) Material: High-quality Brazilian pewter Features: Footed base for stability and elegance Sophist...
Pewter
$611 / item
Gui Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gui candleholder by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 14 cm D 10.5 cm H 40.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ...
Bronze
Set of two Pen Holders in Rosewood, Unknown, 1960s - Lot 739
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of pen holders made of solid turned rosewood.
Hardwood
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
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Offwhite Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund
Located in Geneve, CH
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Offwhite Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund Dimensions: D 27 x W 28 x H 47,5 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Large vase with an organic textured exterior. This p...
Ceramic
19th-Century Hand-Carved Zoomorphic Carranca in Solid Wood, Brazil
Located in Madrid, ES
Solid Umburana wood sculpture, hand-carved, known as a "Carranca," originating from the São Francisco River region in Brazil. These pieces are anthropological elements originally us...
Wood
Pair of Brazilian Carved Rock Crystal Compotes with Swivel Bowls
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a dining table, console, or entry with this elegant pair of hand-carved rock crystal compotes. Crafted in Brazil, each two-piece composition features a square pedestal base ...
Rock Crystal, Brass
Long Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Long candleholder in Polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 8 x D 8 x H 41 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
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
$1,151 / item
Wood and Aluminum Vaso Torno by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood and Aluminum Vaso Torno by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: W 25 x D 32 x H 15.5 cm Materials: Wood, Aluminum. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, g...
Aluminum
Bowl designed by Jean Dobré for Tropic-Art. Brazil 1970s.
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bowl with handle made of solid “imbuia” wood, designed by Jean Dobré for Tropic-Art. Brazil 1960s.
Hardwood
Pair of brazilian baroque candlesticks in wood polychrome circa 1800
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and original pair of brazilian candlesticks in wood polychomed circa 1800.
Wood
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, N902 Jewel Holder, Brazilian Agate Fisherman Table Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
PESCADOR (FISHERMAN) SERIES From so many fish, emerges the need to pursue the new. Again. And again. The Pescador Series contemplates the private hook, which drifts and feeds on cha...
Stone, Brass
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
Sinestesia Series, PLA and Brass Girl Wall Mounted Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES SINESTESIA “Freedom is normal air, without exotic perfumes, which breathes together with oxygen without thinking about it, but aware that it exists.” Juan Carlos Onetti The Sinestesia Series parades through the perspective of sensorial ballet. The sensations that touch the senses multiply in intertwining. Seeing is also touching. The best version of yourself is the one dancing with freedom Circular Sculpture D15cm x 5cm Oblong Sculpture...
Brass
19th-Century Wooden Carranca with Zoomorphic Carving, Handcrafted in Brazil
Located in Madrid, ES
Solid Umburana wood sculpture, hand-carved, known as a "Carranca," originating from the São Francisco River region in Brazil. These pieces are anthropological elements originally us...
Wood
Domingos Tótora "Escultura Âmago Model 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
Beautiful Agate Geode Slice
Located in Milan, Italy
Shades of grey, rust, brown and crystalline white make this beautiful agate slice on a custom mount a stunning piece. Agate has long believed to promote protection, strength and har...
Agate
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
Domingos Tótora " Vaso Orgânico Casca Mod.01", 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
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
“Jambu” Sculptural Wall Clock with Spikes, Cumaru Wood, by DONÓ Design
By DONÓ Design
Located in São Caetano Do Sul, BR
The Jambu wall clock is a hand-turned and carefully finished piece, with flowing lines and pointed shapes that invite you to stop and observe. The strangeness of the different is con...
Acrylic, Wood
$3,950 / set
"Carbono" Vases by Domingos Tótora, Brazil, 2019
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
These diverse organic shell vases by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora are prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Add...
Paper
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
Domingos Tótora "Escultura Âmago Model 05", 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
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Large Ribbed
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Large ribbed “Anfora” 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.” Addi...
Paper
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Medium
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Medium “Anfora” vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer,...
Paper
$2,062 / item
Medium Quartz Sculptural Vase by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Quartz sculptural vase by Aver Dimensions: D 20 x H 28 cm Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$2,110 / item
Vaso Crosta 04 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 04 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio Dimensions: W 24 x D 24 x H 80 cm Materials: Recycled cardboard. Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Wood
$2,134 / item
Donna Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Donna bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 36 cm D 12 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-e...
Bronze
$3,273 / item
Fossil Vessel 02 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 02 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 8 x W 19 x H 23 cm. Materials: Lotus high-temperature clay with white glaze. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore ...
Clay
Airin Canedo sculture in wood, glass, reptiles and eggs circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible sculpture in wood, glass, lizard and eggshell by AIRIN CANEDO circa 1990
Eggshell, Glass, Wood, Lizard
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Medium With Spout
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Medium “Anfora” vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer, and craftsman.” Additional...
Paper
$1,187 / item
Dark Bronze Candleholder by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark bronze candleholder by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 9 x D 6 x H 33 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Small With Spout
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This small “Anfora” vase by contemporary Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora is a prime examples of the artist’s ars poetica: “I’m a mix of artist, designer,...
Paper
$13,362 / set
Set of 2 Casulo Cubes #2 by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Casulo cubes #2 by Mameluca Material: electrostatic sluminum paint, recycled rubber blanket. Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 90 cm Opening a cube and transforming it into a...
Aluminum
$1,858 / item
Apple Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Apple candleholder by Fakasaka design Dimensions: W 13.5 cm D 13.5 cm H 41.5. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused ...
Bronze
$1,439
Polished Amethyst Geode
Located in Milan, Italy
Polished Geode split in two, Amethyst inside and Agate Outside.
Agate, Amethyst
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.