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.
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
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray by Amma, Brazil, 1960s Design
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern wooden wall unit "Extenso" by Amma, Italy, 1970s.
Wood
Pescador Series, N929 Amber Selenite 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
$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
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
Rose Colored Stone Balls Collection - Contemporary Brazilian Design
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
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
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
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
$13,710 / 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
$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
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
Abraham Palatnik. Op Art Pelican Sculpture in Polyester Resin 1970's
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Rare Brazilian modern kinetic sculpture in turquoise made of acrylic resin designed by Abraham Palatnik, part of Artemis Collection made in the 1970's.
Resin, Acrylic
$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
Set of 3 Wood and Aluminum Vaso Torno by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 Wood and Aluminum Vaso Torno by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: W 25 x D 60 x H 15.5 cm W 25 x D 32 x H 15.5 cm W 25 x D 29 x H 32 cm Materials: Wood, Aluminum. ANDRÉ F...
Aluminum
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
$1,256 / item
Small Quartz Vase by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Small quartz vase by Aver Dimensions: D 16 x H 20 cm Materials: Quartz, Steel, Polyvinyl chloride, Resin.
Quartz, Steel
$1,291 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 04 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 04 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 35 x h 6 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and des...
Soapstone
$1,428 / 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
$1,291 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 02 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 02 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 15 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos...
Soapstone
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
$2,993 / item
Page Vase by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Page vase by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 35.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on product...
Bronze
$2,993 / item
Cup Vase in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Cup vase in dark bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 16 x D 16 x H 35.5 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
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
$2,193 / item
Ita 2, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 2 - soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, brass Dimensions: 25 (Ø) x 32 (H) Alva is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist...
Soapstone
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
Contemporary "Pudim de Leite" Sculpture by Brazilian Designer Guilherme Sass
By Rodrigo Calixto and Guilherme
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary "Pudim de Leite" Sculpture by Brazilian Designer Guilherme Sass, 2021 The Pudim de Leite sculpture is a delightful and mouthwatering artwork by Brazilian designer Gui...
Wood
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
$2,525 / 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: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on pr...
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
‘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
$2,582 / 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
'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
$9,313 / 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
$731 / 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
$33,444 / 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
Terracota polychromed bust of woman with flowers signed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and big bust of woman with multicolor flowers in terracota signed A.TALLARI 1992
Terracotta
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
$1,576 / 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
$948 / item
Tomw Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tomw bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 19 cm H 8.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. TOMW BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLEHOLDER. Also available in polished bronze. FAK...
Bronze
$1,976 / item
Teresa Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Teresa bowl by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 32.5 cm D 25.5 cm H 6 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, li...
Bronze
$1,900 / set
Cadeira Series, Wood and Brass Sculptures
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SCULPTURE SERIES CADEIRA In a chair, a set of qualities, personalities and experiences is built. Its form is characterized as a tool for transposing the relationship between body an...
Brass
$616 / item
Selenite Candle Holder by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite candle holder by Aver Dimensions: D 14 x H 20 cm Materials: Selenite, steel.
Quartz, Steel
$548 / item
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. BRUTALIST COASTER 1 CUP COASTER / BOTTLE COASTER / CANDLE...
Bronze
$1,633 / 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
$565 / 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
$351 / item
Selenite Candle Holder by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Selenite candle holder by Aver Dimensions: D 12 x H 29 cm. Materials: selenite, steel, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$3,199 / 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
$4,970 / 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
$628 / 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
$1,108 / 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
$537 / 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
$331 / 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: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 2 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
$559 / 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
Nicolas Vlavianos steel 1974 sculpture with wood base signed
By Nicolas Vlavianos
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible NICOLAS VLAVIANOS brazilian steel 1970 abstract sculpture with wood base.
Steel
$708 / 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
$708 / 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: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pr...
Bronze
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
$948 / item
Animal Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe
Located in Geneve, CH
Animal Vessel 01 by Joana Kieppe Unique Piece. Dimensions: D 14 x W 17 x H 19 cm. Materials: Black low temperature clay with white grog. Reproduction is ...
Clay
$2,136 / 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
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.