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.
Cálice Sculptural Object in Cast Brass by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Cálice Sculptural Object in Cast Brass by Studio Orth Dimensions: D 12 x W 12 x H 18 cm. Materials: Cast brass. Estúdio Orth is a multidisciplinary furniture and interior design of...
Brass
$5,651 / item
São Paulo 02 Totem by Gabriela Campos
Located in Geneve, CH
São Paulo 02 Totem by Gabriela Campos Dimensions: W 36 x D 36 x H 150 cm. Materials: American Oak, Freijó. ESTÚDIO MAIS ALMA moves toward the authentic and the unique, whether in ...
Oak
$6,000 / item
Mandacaru Series, Wooden Cactus Tall Floor Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES MANDACARU “Mandacaru When it burns in the drought It is the sign that the rain arrives in the sertão” Luiz Gonzaga. Cordel poems dry on the clotheslines, and throu...
Wood
Bumba Meu Boi Series, Resin Folklore Sculpture N2 with Wooden Base
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES BUMBA MEU BOI "I am your life My ox so true Dancing in the yard From my fantasy I'm a poet When I see your ballet My beloved bull You are my poetry" Capricious Ox ...
Resin, Wood
Pool Series, Mirror and PLA Black Sculpture N1
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES POOL “Nothing has a connection, everything is just a reflection.” Millôr Fernandes The imagination drifting from the unimaginable, the playful universe of illusio...
Stainless Steel
$3,400 / set
Pampulha Collection, Off White Concrete Vase Set
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
TAG COLLECTION "My time has become scarce to debate labels. I want the essence. My soul is in a hurry. " Rubem Alves For many, too much simplicity lacks subtitles. Why is it so c...
Concrete, Aluminum
$3,060 / set
Tag Collection, Nude Concrete 5 Pot Set
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
TAG COLLECTION "My time has become scarce to debate labels. I want the essence. My soul is in a hurry. " Rubem Alves For many, too much simplicity lacks subtitles. Why is it so c...
Concrete, Steel
$3,250 / set
Ramalhete Collection, Steel Vase Set N3 & N4
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
RAMALHETE COLLECTION When words escape, flowers speak. (Bruce Currie) The Ramalhete Collection flourishes under the lights of simplicity. Petals that ...
Steel
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
$1,005 / item
Babel Collection, PLA Vase
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
BABEL COLLECTION Nothing beats the way creativity molds itself to everyday needs, as well as the sudden abstract contour of fascination. Brazil's power to create unimaginable inve...
Steel
Mandacaru Series, Wooden Cactus Table Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES MANDACARU “Mandacaru When it burns in the drought It is the sign that the rain arrives in the sertão” Luiz Gonzaga. Cordel poems dry on the clotheslines, and throu...
Wood
$1,050 / item
Wagasa Collection, Big Steel Functional Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
WAGASA COLLECTION In flowing water the gold, strand of brightness and history, at the birth of the new world in motion. In infinite movement, protection meets gold, the rich Asia...
Steel
$975 / set
Joy Collection, Steel Organizer Duo
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
JOY COLLECTION A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. John Keats I am free for the silence of shapes and colors. Manoel de Barros It is better to be happy than sad Joy is the best thing there is It is like a light inside our hearts. Vinicius de Moraes - The boredom of trivial things offends creativity. It needs daily hugs, which flood life with energy and turn challenges into ideas. Without the necessary lightness, daily life consumes inspiration and pre-shaped responses fill the void. The Joy Collection by Iludi emerges as small windows for a horizon of satisfaction and style. It colors life with three sophisticated tones and features minimalist trays, organizers, baskets and magazine holders for those who are tired of the sameness and coldness of ordinary jobs. An excellent choice to fill the home office with delicacy and energy. A perfect combination of form, function and smiles. Measurements N4 Organizer (Short divider...
Steel
Pescador Series, N945 Black Tourmaline in Quartz 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
Pescador Series, N882 Green Turmaline in Quartz 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
Pescador Series, N859 Tricolor Turmaline in Matrix 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
Pescador Series, N915 Black Turmaline in Quartz 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
Pescador MAXI Series, N784 Feldspar Microcline 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
Pescador Series, N854 Green Turmaline in Matrix 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
Mandacaru Series, Wooden Cactus Small Floor Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES MANDACARU “Mandacaru When it burns in the drought It is the sign that the rain arrives in the sertão” Luiz Gonzaga. Cordel poems dry on the clotheslines, and throu...
Wood
Pescador Series, N946 Premium Pink Quartz 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
Pool Series, N774 White Optical Calcite Pool Steps Table Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
POOL SERIES “Nothing has a connection, everything is just a reflection.” Millôr Fernandes The imagination drifting from the unimaginable, the playful universe of illusions invites...
Stone, Brass
Pescador Series, N879 Black Turmaline with Muscovite 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
Pescador Series, N889 Jewel Holder, Hematite 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
Pescador Series, Concrete and Brass Fisherman Sculpture, Acrylic Box
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
Pescador Series, Fisherman Table Sculpture (Set of 3)
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...
Soapstone, Brass
Bumba Meu Boi Series, Resin Folklore Sculpture N1 with Wooden Base
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES BUMBA MEU BOI "I am your life My ox so true Dancing in the yard From my fantasy I'm a poet When I see your ballet My beloved bull You are my poetry" Capricious Ox ...
Resin, Wood
Collection Rose Colored Stone Balls, Brazil, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Brazilian collection of 25 in total rose colored stone balls. Three different sizes Measures: Large 2.5" diameter Medium 2" diameter Small 1" diameter Smooth and po...
Stone
Rock Crystal Carving Decoration, with Custom Stand
Located in Cypress, CA
Impressive monumental carved rock crystal Quartz sculpture with custom stand monumental sculpture of leaf-form, carved from a single large boulder of rock crystal quartz, with sufficient transparency to transmit light. Beautifully displayed on a custom hand forged wrought iron black patinated stand. Overall H. 68" Rock crystal boulder...
Rock Crystal, Wrought Iron
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
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
Organic Anfora Vase by Brazilian Designer Domingos Tótora, Small Ribbed
By Domingos Tótora
Located in Utrecht, NL
This small “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, ...
Paper
Decorative Basket "Chasco", Inês Schertel, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Inês Schertel
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Inês Schertel mixes ancient techniques for treating sheep wool with contemporary design and innovation, in order to create unique pieces, full of persona...
$2,116 / item
Vaso Crosta 06 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 06 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio Dimensions: W 21 x D 23 x H 90 cm Materials: Recycled cardboard. Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Wood
$2,116 / item
Vaso Crosta 05 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 05 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio Dimensions: W 20 x D 20 x H 82 cm Materials: Recycled cardboard. Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Wood
$2,116 / item
Vaso Crosta 03 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 03 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio Dimensions: W 14 x D 23 x H 78 cm Materials: Recycled cardboard. Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Wood
$2,116 / item
Vaso Crosta 01 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio
Located in Geneve, CH
Vaso Crosta 01 Sculpture by Domingos Tótora Estúdio Dimensions: W 21 x D 21 x H 95 cm Materials: Recycled cardboard. Domingos Tótora born and raised in Maria da Fé, a city in the mo...
Wood
Handmade geometric sand ceramic and brass table lamp, minimalist styled. Brazil
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Minimalist-styled sand ceramic table lamp reveals the textures and colors gradian of its materials, handmade movements, and unexpected organic form. Slowly air-dried for more than 30 days, until it reaches a few hours into a low temperature hoven, to reach its final color and form. During all this process, the clay disc will take an unexpected organics movement in its form, almost like a living material, making each object unique in its details and colors. The brass part would be added at the end and tailored for each piece. The sculpture results in a process of hand modeling and details carving of grey...
Brass
$270 / item
Geometric Letter Holder
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Bring a warm modern touch to your stationary with this geometric Desktop accessory. Named “Triângulo”, it showcases how small leftover materials can be turned into a new object: mass...
Copper
$232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mono Vase
Located in Gamboa, RJ
The Mono Vase takes part of the MONOMORFO collection. Its terrazzo composition is made of leftover glass crystals from a glass crystal factory in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This leftover ...
Terrazzo
'Picos' Minimalist Set of Wooden Vases in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Picos form a set of volumetric and minimalist vases resulting in a playful composition. Made from hardwood, they appear angular, slender and solid yet light. Handmade using Brazilian hardwood Muirapiranga. Each vase includes a glass tube allowing for plants to be placed in water. Each pico has the dimensions 8 x 8 cm (length x depth) with varying heights of 17, 23 and 29cm. Includes glass test tubes: 2 items of 2.5 x 20cm (75ml) and 1 item of 2 x 15cm (34ml). Knót Artesanal...
Wood
Pequi Sculpture by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
In the collection Delicadeza e Brutalidade, the sculptural furniture explores the essential duality between romance and violence, beauty and aggression. Materials such as marble, sta...
Brass
$4,629 / item
Balance 01 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Balance 01 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 19 x W 20 x H 80 cm. Materials: Ivory and lotus high temperature clay. Reproduction is e...
Clay
$2,248 / item
Poured Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Poured Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 19 x W 22 x H 30 cm. Materials: White high-temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manual...
Clay
$1,659 / item
Arrowhead Vessel 03 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Arrowhead Vessel 03 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 5 x W 14 x H 22 cm. Materials: White high-temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore it will be a v...
Clay
$1,659 / item
Arrowhead Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Arrowhead Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 5 x W 11 x H 19 cm. Materials: Lotus high temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manu...
Clay
$2,020 / item
Arrowhead Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Arrowhead Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece Dimensions: D 6 x W 18 x H 28 cm. Materials: White high temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore it will be a ve...
Clay
$1,659 / 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
$2,020 / item
Poured Vessel 02 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Poured Vessel 02 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 19 x W 20 x H 27 cm. Materials: Tobacco high-temperature clay with white oxide. Reproduction...
Clay
$1,779 / item
Arrowhead Vessel 05 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Arrowhead Vessel 05 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 5 x W 14 x H 24 cm. Materials: Ivory high-temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manu...
Clay
$625 / item
Fossil Vessel 05 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 05 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 3 x W 13 x H 15 cm. Materials: Ivory high temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore it will be a very...
Clay
$3,799 / item
Fossil Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 04 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 15 x W 30 x H 45 cm. Materials: Lotus high-temperature clay with white glaze sprayed. Reproduction is entirely manual, t...
Clay
$998 / item
Fossil Vessel 06 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 06 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 15 x W 9 x H 14 cm. Materials: Lotus high-temperature clay with white glaze sprayed. Reprodu...
Clay
$5,230 / item
Fossil Vessel 03 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 03 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 24 x W 29 x H 70 cm. Materials: Lotus high-temperature clay with white glaze sprayed. Reproduction is entirely manual, t...
Clay
$2,248 / item
Ori 02 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Ori 02 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 13 x W 10 x H 17 cm. Materials: Black low temperature clay with white grog. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore i...
Clay
$2,489 / item
Ori 01 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Ori 01 Sculpture by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 16 x W 11 x H 15 cm. Materials: White high temperature clay. Reproduction is entirely manual...
Clay
$3,282 / item
Fossil Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Fossil Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 8 x W 23 x H 16 cm. Materials: Lotus high-temperature clay with white glaze. Reproduction is entirely manual, therefore ...
Clay
Brazilian Contemporary Set of Appetizer Ceramic Bowls by Rodrigo Almeida
By Rodrigo Almeida
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Set of three appetizer ceramic bowls, Brazil, 2014 Brazilian contemporary design by Rodrigo Almeida Measurement Units Centimeters 22cm D x 9.5cm H 21.5cm x 21cm x 6cm H 21.5cm x 21...
Jacaranda, Ceramic
$100,311 / set
Set of 3 Nest Wall Separatings + Sculptures by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 nest wall separatings + sculptures by Mameluca Material: Vime Branches, pallets, paper, fishing net, coconut fiber, clay & carboard others Dimensions: D 300x H 250 cm "...
Other
$35,196 / item
Guacho Nest Wall Separating + Sculpture by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Guacho nest wall separating + sculpture by Mameluca Material: fishing net. coconut fiber, others Dimensions: D 300x H 250 cm Only the female constructs the nest in the form of a...
Other
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.