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.
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
$360 / item
Benta Collection, Small Wooden Bowl
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
BENTA COLLECTION “How often do we, in search for happiness, do exactly as the poor grandfather does: in vain, look restlessly for the glasses Having them on the tip of the nose!” M...
Wood
$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
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, 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
Sertão Series, N874 Black Turmaline in Matrix Donkey on Leash Table Sculpture
By Luiz Costa e Rodrigo Irffi
Located in Santa Edwiges, MG
SERTÃO SERIES "Sertão is where people's thoughts form stronger than the place." Guimarães Rosa From afar, one hears the prophecy of Guimarães, of that place where those in charge...
Stone, Brass
Pescador Series, N855 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
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, N886 Jewel Holder, Green 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, N838 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
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
Pescador Series, Fisherman Table Sculpture (Set of 2)
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...
Concrete, Brass
Pool Series, Mirror and PLA Blue 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
$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
$990 / item
Pool Series, Mirror and PLA Sculpture N2
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
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
Primitive pantera onca brazilian stool in noble wood circa 1900
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible primitive brazilian stool in noble wood representing 'Panther'circa 1900
Wood
Pitaya 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, Aluminum, Stainless Steel
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
$5,300
Sculpture 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
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
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
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
Polished Cast Brass Cos II Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Cos II Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 30 x D 16 x H 6 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: S...
Metal
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
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
$1,093 / 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 29.5 x H 32 cm Materials: Wood, Aluminum. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, g...
Aluminum
$1,093 / 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
$1,093 / 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 60 x H 15.5 cm Materials: Wood, Aluminum. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, g...
Aluminum
Stunning Vintage Tray / Sculpture Made of Brazilian Rosewood Unknown Author
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Solid Brazilian rosewood tray, with aluminum details. This peace is a huge vintage tray and also an amazing sculpture of a fish. This is one of...
Wood
Brazilian Hand Engraved Crystal Cubes
Located in Boston, MA
Floral and fauna motifs. One of a kind.
Crystal
$1,571 / 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
$1,571 / 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
$1,913 / 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
$1,913 / 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
$1,685 / 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
$3,598 / 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
$592 / 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
$945 / 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
$2,357 / 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
$3,109 / 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
$6,714 / item
Casulo Cube #2 by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Casulo Cube #2 by Mameluca Material: Electrostatic Aluminum paint, recycled rubber blanket. Dimensions: D 45 x W 45 x H 90 cm Also available in different dimensions. Opening a ...
Aluminum
$3,344 / item
Libidonoso Object #3 by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Libidonoso object #3 by Mameluca Material: corian, gold-plated metal. Dimensions: D 21 x W 18 x H 10cm. In reference to Paul Nacke’s states about Narcissism, being an attitude o...
Metal
$17,776 / item
Vertigem Wall Separating + Sculpture by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Vertigem wall separating + Sculpture by Mameluca Material: Stainless Steel & Acrylic, Guitar strings Dimensions: D 130 x W 190 x H 50 cm The introduction of electric guitar in t...
Stainless Steel, Other
$6,714 / item
Casulo Cube #3 by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Casulo cube #3 by Mameluca Material: Electrostatic Aluminum paint, recycled rubber blanket. Dimensions: D45 x W90 x H45 cm Also available in different dimensions. Opening a cub...
Aluminum
Infinito Soapstone and Brass Sculpture by Alva Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Finito Soapstone Sculpture by Alva Design Materials: Soapstone and nickel. Dimensions: Ø 18 x H 45 cm. One counter stool, one screen, one coffee table, two wall sconces, sculptu...
Soapstone, Nickel
$1,947 / item
D33, Vase by Cultivado Em Casa
Located in Geneve, CH
D33 - vase by Cultivado Em Casa Dimensions: 20 x 63 x 53 cm Materials: D33 foam, acrylic paint, acrylic resin, carbon steel. Also Available: different colors The D33 collecti...
Resin
$1,958 / 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
Small Vase and Candle Holder, Small Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Small vase and candle holder, small quartz points by Aver Dimensions: D 11 x H 18 cm Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
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
$6,411 / item
Round Vase in Dark Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Round Vase in Dark Bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 35.5 x D 15 x H 41 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
$2,596 / item
Vase in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Vase in dark bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 34 x D 8 x H 17.5 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
$1,924 / item
Box in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ashtray, box in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 15.5 x D 15.5 x H 13 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$2,516 / item
Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Candleholder in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 13.5 x D 13.5 x H 41.5 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$8,758 / item
Polished Bronze Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Box, ashtray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 63 x D 37 x H 7 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$3,393 / item
Long Vase in Dark Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Long vase in dark bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 19 x D 12 x H 41.5 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
$2,061 / item
Ashtray, Box in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ashtray, box in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 26 x D 14 x H 9 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
$12,914 / set
Set of 2 Bronze Hilda Bowl by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 bronze Hilda bowl by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 78 x D 41 x H 12 cm Materials: Polished and black bronze.
Bronze
$1,685 / item
Dark Bronze Candleholder by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark bronze candleholder by FAKASAKA Design. Dimensions: W 9.5 x D 5.5 x H 29.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze.
Bronze
Set of 2 Long Candleholders in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 long candleholders in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 8 x D 8 x H 41 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.