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.
Jacaré, Brazilian Contemporary Collectible and Decorative Object
By Noemi Saga Atelier
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Jacaré (alligator in Portuguese) is part of Bichos do Brasil collection that is decorative and collectible objects of wooden figures that represent animals of the Brazilian Fauna. Th...
Wood
Tatu-Bola, Brazilian Contemporary Collectible and Decorative Object
By Noemi Saga Atelier
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
TATU-BOLA (armadillo in Portuguese) is part of Bichos do Brasil collection that is decorative and collectible objects of wooden figures that represent animals of the Brazilian Fauna....
Wood
Adorable Panda Twins Made of Lucite by Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Two Young Panda Bears made by Abraham Palatnik (1928). They are both signed with: "Pal", one has the original sticker with "made in Brazil" They each measure 6 cm in height, 9.5 cm...
Lucite
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
$1,459 / 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
Handcrafted Ceramic Sculpture, Iron Glazed, by Flávia Soares, Brazil
By Flávia Soares
Located in Belo Horizonte, BR
Shaped by hand from regional clay and fired at 1,300°C in a gas kiln, this sculpture by ceramic artist Flávia Soares carries the mark of its making. An original iron glaze — develope...
Ceramic
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
Hand Carved Organic Rock Crystal Quartz Decorative Bowl Vide-Poche
Located in Dallas, TX
Place your keys or decorate an entry table or console with this luminous rock crystal bowl. Crafted in Brazil, the hand-carved dish features a rounded smooth form that highlights the...
Rock Crystal
$1,470 / item
Natalie Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Natalie box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15.5 cm D 15.5 cm H 9.5 Materials: polished bronze, agate. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture...
Bronze
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Black Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund
Located in Geneve, CH
Jaca Vase No. 17 in Black Organic Textured Ceramic by Hanna Englund Dimensions: D 27 x W 29 x H 46 cm. Materials: Ceramic. Large vase with an organic textured exterior. This piece ...
Ceramic
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
$1,623 / item
Poured Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Poured Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 13 x W 16 x H 22 cm. Materials: Black low temperature clay with white grog. Reproduction is ...
Clay
$11,000 / set
Pair of Large Scale Rock Crystal Tazzas
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a pair of large scale rock crystal tazzas from Brazil. These tazzas are likely to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dining table or decorative display....
Rock Crystal
Franz Weissmann Brazilian Abstract Sculpture steel !979
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible abstract sculpture in steel by Franz Weissmann 1979
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Walrus 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
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
Polished Cast Brass Buzio P Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Buzio P Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 7 x H 7 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: S...
Metal
$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
Decorative Bowl in Brazilian Hardwood, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This bowl is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and features clean lines with elegant curves. The wood has a deep, dark, and rich tone with a stunning natu...
Wood
1960s Bottle Holder by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt in solid rosewood
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma / WoodArt in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural bottle holder reflects the refined balance between utility and organic form that ...
Hardwood
$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
Polished Cast Brass Mino P Towel Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Mino P Towel Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 36 x D 8 x H 5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio ...
Metal
Trípodes Hexa Sculptural Object in Ceramic by Julius Nobre
Located in Geneve, CH
Trípodes Hexa Sculptural Object in Ceramic by Julius Nobre. Dimensions: W 30 x D 30 x H 40 cm. Materials: Ceramic. The series brings together larger-scale sculptures with more arch...
Ceramic
$582 / item
Marble Ginga Vase by Gustavo Dias
By Gustavo Dias
Located in Geneve, CH
Marble Ginga vase by Gustavo Dias 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 wood and marble ...
Marble
Contemporary Black and Amber Thick Glass Vase with Triangular Design
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Brazilian thick glass vase with triangular shaped opening Black glass with amber colored accents Sits nicely with taller version ( S6999) and rounded style (S7000 )
Glass
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
$25,000
Jaguar Sculpture in Wood
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Impressive sculpture of a female Brazilian jaguar made in a huge single wood block. This piece was exceptionally well-executed, made in the 1930/1940'...
Wood
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 Argola Wall Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Argola Wall Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 15 x D 3 x H 15 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Femur Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Femur Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 35 x D 8 x H 5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stu...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Elephant Sculpture by Abraham Palatnik, 1960's
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
Rock Crystal Bowl from Brazil
Located in Dallas, TX
The Rock Crystal Bowl from Brazil is a stunning piece that adds a touch of elegance to any setting. Made from high-quality rock crystal, this bowl is not only functional but also ser...
Rock Crystal
$1,270 / 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
Oscar Vase by Decarvalho Atelier, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Decarvalho Atelier
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Decarvalho Atelier, the "Oscar" vase is made of brass, but it can be made of Copper or Onyx too. The vase embraces the foliage with its structure.
Brass
$2,059 / item
Alexia Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 42.5 cm D 29 cm H 4 cm Materials: polished bronze. Alexia tray / bar tray / centerpiece / candle tray...
Bronze
$200 / item
Stringray Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stringray coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10.7 cm D 10.7 cm H 0.5 cm Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Stringray coaster 2 Cup coaster...
Bronze
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
$1,176 / item
Bowl, Large Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Bowl, large quartz points by Aver Dimensions: D 23 x H 10 cm. Materials: quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$882 / item
Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a de...
Bronze
Sculpture by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Sculpture par Joaquim Tenreiro pour une villa à Jardim, Suite à ses créations mobilières Joaquim Tenreiro s’intéressa aux arts graphiques, peinture et sculptures.
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Lhama 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
Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Wood, Brass and Steel Balanço Gira by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: D 43 x H 35 cm. Materials: Wood, Steel, Brass. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990...
Steel, Brass
$1,129 / 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
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
Mid Century Scalloped White Onyx and Rhodonite Bowl with Footed Base
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning mid-century scalloped white onyx and rhodonite bowl with footed pedestal base. Finely carved with delicate scalloped shape, in an exceptional quality of stone.
Precious Stone
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
Pair of Boxes, Ashtrays in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of boxes, ashtrays in dark bronze by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 28 x D 12 x H 10 cm. Materials: dark bronze.
Bronze
$13,112 / 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
$9,591 / item
Verdaço, Bench Sculpture by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
Verdaço - Bench sculpture by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 197 x 79 x 133 cm Materials: Stainless steel and wood A tangle chaotic and, at the same time, systematic, meticulous. ...
Stainless Steel
$1,164 / 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
$1,435 / item
Morrison Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Morrison bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5cm. Materials: dark bronze. MORRISON BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE HOLDER / CARD HOLDER FAKASAK...
Bronze
$1,164 / item
Hun Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Hun Candleholder by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 9 cm D 6 cm H 33 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a desig...
Bronze
$694 / item
Tray in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 19 x D 9 x H 2.5 cm Materials: polished bronze.
Bronze
Vintage Brazilian Carved Wood Head Rest
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This primitive hand-carved wood headrest from Brazil is a compelling example of indigenous folk art and organic design. Meticulously shaped from a single block of dense hardwood, the...
Wood
Emanoel Araujo brazilian sculpture in fiberglass and wood polychrome circa 1980
By Emanoel Araújo 1
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible EMANOEL ARAUJO abstract sculpture in fiberglass and wood signed and polychrome circa 1980.
Fiberglass, Wood
$647 / set
Pair of 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 wood...
Wood
Monumental Pair of 1960s Brass Candelabras by Madame Journel
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Monumental Pair of 1960s Brass Candelabras by Madame Journel, Rio de Janeiro Striking in both scale and elegance, this rare pair of twelve-light candelabras was crafted in Rio de J...
Brass
Centerpiece Bowl in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Centerpiece bowl in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 36 x D 30 x H 7 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
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.