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.
Pair of Centerpieces Bowls in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of centerpieces bowls in Polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 36 x D 30 x H 7 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$1,734 / item
Ava Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 28.5 cm Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting,...
Bronze
$1,351 / item
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee bookend by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, ...
Bronze
$2,093 / 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: black/brown bronze. Alexia tray / bar tray / centerpiece / candle tray ...
Bronze
$801 / 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: polished bronze. TOMW BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLEHOLDER FAKASAKA is a design company ...
Bronze
$2,093 / 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
$1,291 / item
Charlie Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlie bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 22 cm D 22 cm H 4 cm. Materials: polished bronze. CHARLIE BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE HOLDER / CARD HOLDER FAKASAKA i...
Bronze
$1,279 / item
John Lee 2 Bookend with Onyx base by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm, base D 14cm. Materials: polished bronze, onyx base. JOHNLEE BOOKEND / DOOR HOLDER...
Onyx, Bronze
$1,351 / item
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee Bookend by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furnitur...
Bronze
$1,734 / item
Ava Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 16 cm D 16 cm H 28.5 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Bronze
$1,686 / item
Aretha Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Aretha box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15 cm D 15 cm H 9.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a d...
Bronze
$239 / item
Horn 1 Sculpture by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Horn 1 sculpture by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 8 cm D 6 cm H 7 cm Materials: polished bronze. Horn 1 Paper weight / sculpture FAKASAKA is a de...
Bronze
$1,626 / item
Alexia Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Alexia candleholder by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 20 cm D 19 cm H 30.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Fakasaka is a design company focused on production of high-end furnit...
Bronze
$1,495 / 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
$1,686 / item
REM Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
REM box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 15.5 cm D 15.5 cm H 13 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighti...
Bronze
$1,662 / item
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Gilmour Box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 28 cm D 12 cm H 10 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lighting, ...
Bronze
$633 / item
Osborne Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Osborne bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 35 cm D 10 cm H 3.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pro...
Bronze
$263 / item
Brutalist Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 11.5 cm D 11.5 cm H 0.8 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze Also available in polished bronze. ...
Bronze
$1,016 / item
Pencil Holder I by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pencil holder I by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: Ø 8.5 cm H 13 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design c...
Bronze
$5,944 / item
Supert Vase by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Supert vase by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 35.5 cm D 15cm H 41 cm. Materials: Dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on product...
Bronze
$2,463 / item
Garrym Vase by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Garrym vase by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 12 cm H 41.5 cm. Materials: Dark Bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on produc...
Bronze
$574 / item
Adri Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Adri candleholder by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 12.5 cm D 10 cm H 36.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused o...
Bronze
$1,279 / item
John Lee 2 Bookend with Onyx Base by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
John Lee bookend by Fakasaka Design. Dimensions: W 13 cm D 11.5 cm H 18 cm. Materials: dark bronze, onyx base. Johnlee Bookend / door holder / sculpture. ...
Onyx, Bronze
$1,351 / 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
$1,710 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 01 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Amorfo 01 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 17 x H 25 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and designer, and Ma...
Soapstone
$1,267 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 07 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 07 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 40 x H 7 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and des...
Soapstone
$1,351 / 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
$1,710 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 09 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 09 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 15 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Sus...
Soapstone
$2,057 / item
Soapstone Amorfo 10 by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Soapstone Amorfo 10 by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: Ø 30 x h 25 cm ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Sus...
Soapstone
$2,607 / item
Ita 1, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 1 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, brass Dimensions: 22 (Ø) x 32 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist...
Soapstone
$1,985 / item
Ita 3, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ita 3 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone, solid wood, Dimensions: 24 (Ø) x 32 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, ...
Soapstone
$1,841 / item
Brota 2, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brota 2 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: 20 (Ø) x 30 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist and ...
Soapstone
$1,841 / item
Brota 3, Soapstone Vase by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brota 3 - Soapstone vase by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone Dimensions: 15 (Ø) x 40 (H) ALVA is a furniture and objects design office, formed by brothers Susana Bastos, artist ...
Soapstone
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
Molded terracota pine cone Art Deco on wooden base with leaf motif circa 1930
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and original terracota pine cone Art deco on wood base circa 1930.
Wood
Flower Jardinières Pingo Outdoor Metal Brazilian Contemporary by Lattoog-Model 2
By Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
Once again, designers Leonardo Lattavo and Pedro Moog materialize the shape of a drop of water in a product. Following a design line that makes use of ...
Metal
Pescador Series, N877 Black Turmaline 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, N843 Emerald 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
Tag Collection, Black and White 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
Tag Collection, Military Green 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
$1,510 / set
Kyoto Collection, Aluminium and Wood 4 Pots Set
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
KYOTO COLLECTION Lift up your gaze and you will see no boundaries. (Japanese proverb) When we learn from our precepts, we are capable of writing new stories. Looking ahead and do...
Aluminum
$1,080 / set
Kobe Collection, Aluminium and Wood 3 Pots Set
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
KOBE COLLECTION "The distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion". We must not forget what we have lived, stories and traditions, so that w...
Aluminum
Arturito Collection, Concrete Paperweight Set (5 pieces)
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
ARTURITOS COLLECTION Whether in Tokyo, Denver or Moscow, printing ideas requires organization. Taking chaos out of the box and turning it into facts requires hard work, care, attent...
Concrete
$840 / item
Babel Collection, PLA N2 Organizer
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
$1,605 / set
Joy Collection, Steel Organizer Trio
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 N1 Organizer (Long divider): 15cm x 40cm x 9cm N2 Organizer (Short divider...
Steel
$1,890 / set
Joy Collection, Steel Basket 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...
Steel
Pescador Series, N922 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, N919 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, N923 Black Turmaline 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, N941 Yellow Jasper 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, N942 Pink Thulite 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, N948 Rubellite Tourmaline 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, N934 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
Pescador Series, N936 Calcite 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, N933 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
Pescador Series, N937 Rubellite Tourmaline 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, N949 Black Tourmaline 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, N932 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
Pescador Series, N924 Black Turmaline in Granada 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, N931 Blue 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
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.