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.
Tourmaline on Lepidolite, Aricanga mine, São José da Safira, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Tourmaline on Lepidolite Aricanga mine, São José da Safira, Minas Gerais, Brazil 11.5 cm tall x 12 cm wide Large "rocket-like" crystals burst forth from a lavender lepidolite matrix...
Other
Amethyst Heart with Sparkly Deep Purple Amethyst Druzy on Stand
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
High-Grade Amethyst Heart ▫️ Description This high-grade Amethyst heart stands out for its rich purple color, strong sparkle, and beautifully hand-carved shape. It’s a statement pi...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Mid-Century Modernist Silver Plate Ovoid Form Botanical Vase signed St. James
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite mid-century modernist silver-plate ovoid form botanical vase, signed by St. James from Brazil, stands as a testament to the sleek and organic forms characteristic of t...
Silver Plate, Brass
Pair of Tall Amethyst Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Bookmatched Pair of Large Amethyst Cathedral Geodes with Sculptural Formation and Unmatched Beauty ▫️ Description It’s as if nature set out to carve a perfectly balanced sculpture—...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Natural Agate with Amethyst Butterfly Geode Wings
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Agate Butterfly Geode with Blue and White Lace Agate ▫️ Description With a natural form that truly resembles a butterfly, this agate geode showcases delicate lace agate patterns su...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Genuine Agate Slice Butterfly on Custom Black Stand – Natural Home Décor
Located in New York, NY
Enhance you living space with this genuine agate slice butterfly, crafted from beautifully banded agate and mounted on a sleek custom black stand. The translucent wings glow when the...
Agate
Tropical Planter by Willy Guhl, Produced by Eternit Brazil, 1960s
By Willy Guhl, Eternit
Located in New York, NY
This vase is part of the series of Eternit fiber-cement vases designed by Willy Guhl (1915–2004), the industrial design pioneer in Switzerland who also created the remarkable Loop ch...
Cement
Blue and White Striped Lace Agate Geode with Crystal Druzy, a Geological Artwork
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Blue and White Striped Agate Geode, with Perfect, Intact Laces ▫️ Description A beautiful agate geode showcasing the rarely seen sea blue and white agate laces that formed in ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Epic Large Quartz Sphere with Rainbows
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
The Rainbow Generator Sphere - High-Grade Quartz Crystal Sphere from Diamantina, Brazil ▫️ Description This is a very special Crystal Quartz Sphere, nearly flawless that brings epi...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare XL Lace Agate Butterfly Wings
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare, Exquisite Butterfly-Shaped Agate with Stunning Colorful Lace Details ▫️ Description Delicate, rare, and gorgeous, these agate butterfly wings are a natural work of art. Their...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Large Purple Amethyst Cluster with AAA Display Grade Deep Purple Amethyst
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Beautifully formed, with large and unique grown Amethyst Points, this Amethyst cluster delights us with its deep dark tone of purple and the many shiny, intact, beautifully formed Am...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
Natural Smoky Quartz Flame Generator with Light Citrine Smoky Color
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural Large Smoky-Citrined Quartz Flame, Light Smoky Color Description With remarkable aesthetics, this Natural Smoky Quartz Flame was meticulously cut and polished to showcase a...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Red Pink Amethyst Geode with Superb Red and Pink Galaxy Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Exceptional Natural Pink Amethyst Geode Slab with Deep Red Druzy Crystals on Stand ▫️ Description You might be wondering — is this colors in this pink amethyst geode natural? The a...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
High-Grade Water-Clear Quartz Flame Sculpture
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Hand Sculpted Crystal Quartz Flame, AAA-Grade ▫️Description From a large raw piece of clear quartz, the sculptor shaped delicate, aesthetic lines that give this piece its refined e...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Deep Purple Amethyst Crystal Sphere with Intact, Large AAA Natural Points
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA Amethyst Sphere – Natural, Untreated Brazilian Crystal ▫️ Description How often do you come across a perfectly formed Amethyst crystal sphere featuring a naturally interior fil...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Pair of Natural Galaxy Purple Amethyst Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Pair of Rare Amethyst Geodes with Sparkly Galaxy Amethyst Druzy - Bookmatching Pair ▫️ Description Impressive in beauty, with a gorgeous aesthetic formation and filled with the sou...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Sterling and Amethyst Pineapple by Grupo Gal
By Grupo Gal
Located in Greer, SC
This is a stunning piece of Grupo Gal Sterling Silver and Amethyst in the shape of a pineapple.
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (16 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 12" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (23 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 18" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (11.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 15" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (12.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 15" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Gypsum Var. Selenite on Matrix from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (17.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
An aesthetic specimen of a 10" gem transparent gypsum var. selenite crystal on druzy matrix. The specimen has top quality transparency with a glassy luster and fully terminated cryst...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Genuine Chevron Amethyst Slice Lamp on Stand – Natural Crystal Lighting
Located in New York, NY
This genuine amethyst slice lamp immediately captures attention with its vivid purple tones and dramatic chevron banding. The polished surface reveals alternating layers of amethyst ...
Amethyst
$986Sale Price / item|71% Off
Humidor Box Joá - Contemporary Cedarwood Cigar Box
By Valter Costa Lima
Located in BR
The cigar box conceived by Valter Costa Lima is an eloquent testament to the union between tradition and innovation. Made of cedarwood, every stroke of this piece is an ode to the Br...
Hardwood
AAA-Grade Natural Rich Purple Amethyst Heart Portal
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Elegant AAA-Grade Amethyst Heart with Sparkly Deep Purple Druzy Points ▫️ Description Carefully hand-carved from a single natural Amethyst geode slice, this AAA-grade Amethyst hear...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Matching Pair Amethyst & Citrine Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Matching Pair of Amethyst and Citrine Cathedral Geodes ▫️ Description Cut from the same original geode, this matching pair of small cathedral geodes offers a beautiful balance of c...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Gorgeous Large 16" Natural Teal Blue Crystal Flame
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Blue Quartz Crystal Flame Sculpture – Rare Blue Rhodonite Quartz from Bahia, Brazil ▫️ Description Hand-carved from natural Blue Rhodonite Quartz, this large crystal flame sculptur...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Pair of Tall Blue Lace Agate Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Pair of Tall Blue & White Lace Agate Geodes with Lavender Amethyst Druzy, Golden Goethite Needles, and Calcite Inclusions ▫️ Description With their tall, sculptural formation, flow...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Soledade Iron Meteorite Slice, 389g, Crystalline Pattern, Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This rare and visually striking slice of the Soledade Iron Meteorite showcases the intricate crystalline pattern that forms only after billions of years of slow cooling in the vacuum...
Other, Iron, Nickel
Rare Natural Blue Lace Agate Slice with Crystal, Blue, and Bronze Agate Bands
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
A Superb Blue Lace Agate with a Rarely Seen Combination of Colors and Drawings ▫️ Description A superb slice of agate, this delicate specimen displays geological artistry. This Soledade Agate showcases intact banding in rare blue, bronze, and clear color hues—a truly artistic expression from Mother Nature. Over millions of years, layers of agate formed continuously. Hundreds of tiny bronze and deep blue bands create a frame, while the clear crystal provides the necessary empty space for the agate's central drawing to emerge. Special mention must be made of the central drawing, where rare blue, black, and cream colors form a microscopic landscape, reminiscent of icy terrain or coral formations, with sparkling druzy accentuating its intricate details. This thin slice of agate is translucent, and as you can see in the pictures, backlighting enhances and alters the color perspective of the agate, bringing out a blossoming golden hue. It is a perfect display specimen to place near a window, allowing you to witness the agate's transformation from an icy, cold appearance to a fiery, rich landscape throughout the day. With no cracks and no treatment at all, the agate is of super-extra, gallery grade. This breathtaking blue lace agate slice is a true collector's piece. With details visible from both sides, it's sure to become a part of your crystal collection. Check out the close-up photos to admire the intricate banding and delicate color hues. Have questions? Feel free to send us a message! Have you ever wondered how these mesmerizing blue lace layers formed? Agates typically form within gas bubbles or cavities in igneous (volcanic) rock like basalt. Over time, these cavities fill with layers of silica-rich water. As the water slowly evaporates, it leaves behind a layer of silica gel, which eventually hardens into a solid layer. This process repeats, with each layer potentially containing different impurities that contribute to the variation in color we see in the agate's bands. It's a remarkably slow process, and the result is truly fantastic, right? ▫️ Blue Lace Agate Slice on Stand...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
Large Rare Natural Lace Agate Slice with Clear Crystal Interior and White Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Gorgeous, intact, with beautiful intact yellow Agate Lace and a rare Clear Quartz interior, this agate slice is considered to be of Super Extra quality because of its beauty, formati...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
$2,184Sale Price|20% Off
Amethyst Cluster with Intact Purple Phantom Crystal Points from Brazil
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
With world-class characteristics, this extraordinary Amethyst Cluster from Brazil brings Phantom Crystal Amethyst lines, X-Large sized points, as well as the perfectly intact quality...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
Collector's Golden Calcite on Deep Purple Amethyst Cluster
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Golden Calcite Specimen ▫️ Description A supremely glassy and lustrous Yellow Calcite crystal takes center stage in this natural amethyst cluster specimen, growing harmoniously ato...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Special-Grade Citrine Crystal Heart
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Gorgeous AAA Citrine Heart with Shiny Large Orange Druzy ▫️ Description ▫️ A beautiful high-grade citrine heart, this piece was shaped to keep the natural druzy look while giving i...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Brazilian Madeira Citrine Geode Cathedral
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
With Rare Madeira Orange Druzy, a Premium Display Geode Cathedral ▫️ Description ▫️ With its spectacular color—known as Madeira Citrine for its resemblance to Madeira wine—this cit...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA-Grade Amethyst Geode Cluster with Rare Stalactite Flower
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
A Collector's Dream Amethyst: an Amethyst Cluster with a Perfect Flower Rosette ▫️ Description An amethyst cluster that nature designed to be the statement piece of your crystal ga...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Natural Blue Lace Agate Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Agate Geode with Blue & White Lace Banding ▫️Description A small banded agate geode, this piece stands out for the quality of its blue-and-white lace banding, its clean formation, ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Spectacular Amethyst Geode Cluster
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
World-Class AAA Large Amethyst Geode Cluster on Stand with Extra-Large Dark Purple Druzy and Polished Agate Borders. ▫️ Description This AAA-grade Amethyst cluster from Ametista do...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
XL 27-Inch Golden Healer Quartz Flame Sculpture
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Hand-Carved X-Large Golden Healer Quartz Crystal Flame ▫️ Description With its warm aesthetics composed by delicate lines enriched by natural inclusions and X-large size, this Gol...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
$2,600 / item
Carved Geode Hardstone Parrot Sculptures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Two stunning stone birds mounted on Quartz specimens. The orange parrot is carved from orange Calcite and trimmed in Lapis. The cockatoo is Quartz. Both birds have tiger eye beaks. T...
Rock Crystal
Matching Pair or High-Grade Amethyst Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
High-Grade Amethyst Pair with Dense Druzy and Well-Formed Points ▫️ Description Compact in size yet beautifully formed, this bookmatched pair of Amethyst cathedral geodes stands ap...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
High-Grade Citrine Geode Cathedral with Deep Orange Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Deep Orange Citrine Geode Cathedral Tall Slim Profile ▫️ Description ▫️ A beautiful small Citrine Geode Cathedral, this specimen stands out for its deep orange color, clean crysta...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
High-Grade Citrine Geode Cathedral with Deep Orange Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Deep Orange Citrine Geode Cathedral Tall Slim Profile ▫️ Description ▫️ A beautiful small Citrine Geode Cathedral, this specimen stands out for its deep orange color, clean crysta...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA-Grade Madeira Citrine Crystal Cluster with Large Sparkling Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Exceptional Vivid Madeira Citrine Cluster with Large, Brilliant Druzy ▫️ Description Madeira citrine is one of the most sought-after citrine color tones, known for its rich orange ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
High-Grade Natural Citrine Geode with Rich Cognac-Orange Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural Citrine Geode with Deep Cognac-Orange Druzy and Calcite – Cathedral Display Piece ▫️ Description This stunning citrine geode features a rich, saturated cognac-orange druzy ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Pair of Natural Galaxy Purple Amethyst Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Pair of Amethyst Geodes with Sparkly Galaxy Amethyst Druzy - Bookmatching Pair ▫️ Description Impressive in beauty, with an aesthetic formation and filled with rare, sparkling...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA Amethyst Cluster with Large Dark Purple Amethyst and Calcite Inclusions
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
A gallery-grade amethyst cluster that delivers world-class aesthetics to be the centerpiece of your collection. This Amethyst features large, super saturated dark druzy as well as do...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
Pair of High-Grade Citrine Geode Cathedrals with Deep Orange Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Pair of Deep Orange Citrine Geode Cathedrals Tall Slim Profile ▫️ Description ▫️ A beautiful matching pair of small Citrine Geode Cathedrals, these specimens stand out for their d...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA Madeira Citrine Cluster on Stand
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Natural AAA Deep Orange Madeira Citrine Cluster on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ An exceptional statement piece, this AAA Madeira Citrine cluster showcases a rare and fiery palette of M...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Natural Blue Lace Agate Geode Wings with White Galaxy Druzy
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Blue Lace Agate Butterfly Geode with White Galaxy Druzy ▫️ Description A fascinating small geode that was cut open to show the world its internal beauty, this Agate Geode Wings com...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Tall Orange Citrine Crystal Geode Cathedral with Sparkly Points
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Brazilian Orange Citrine Geode Cathedral Tall Display Piece ▫️ Description ▫️ Grown in a tall, slim cathedral shape, this citrine geode is all about formation and color. The inte...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
AAA Madeira Citrine Druzy Cluster
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
AAA Madeira Orange Natural Citrine Cluster on Stand ▫️ Description ▫️ Madeira citrine is one of the most sought-after citrine color tones, known for its deep orange to orange-red g...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Orange Citrine Crystal Cluster with Stalactite Flower and Calcite
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Citrine Cluster with Stalactite Flower covered by Orange Citrine Druzy ▫️ Description Bringing rare stalactite “flower” formations covered in citrine druzy, along with calcite grow...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Genuine Huge Clear Quartz Crystal Cluster Point from Brazil (84 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
This Genuine Clear Quartz Crystal Cluster Point from Brazil weighs 84 lbs and is crafted from premium clear quartz crystals. With a complete termination and a shiny, reflective surfa...
Crystal, Quartz, Other
Collector-Grade Amethyst Geode with Galaxy Druzy over Calcite
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Geode with Calcite Covered in Amethyst ▫️ Description Elegant and sculptural, this geode features one of the most unusual combinations you can find in an intact, all-natural ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Collector-Grade Amethyst Geode with Galaxy Druzy over Calcite
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Geode with Calcite Covered in Amethyst ▫️ Description Elegant and sculptural, this geode features one of the most unusual combinations you can find in an intact, all-natural ...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Lace Agate “Angel Wings” Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Blue Lace Agate Butterfly Geode with Blue & White Lace Banding and Galaxy Amethyst Druzy ▫️ Description Hundreds of agate geodes are found every day in Ametista do Sul, but this bl...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Pair of Large Amethyst Cathedral Geodes
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Stunning Pair of Tall Amethyst Cathedral Geodes – Sparkling Lavender Crystals with Rare Calcite & Goethite Inclusions ▫️ Description This exceptional pair of tall, bookmatched amet...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Rare Natural Citrine with Rutile Obelisk Tower
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Orange Citrine with Rutile Obelisk Tower – Large Water-Clear Crystal with Graphite Rutile Inclusions ▫️ Description A natural rarity, this Citrine Obelisk showcases a striking...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Superb Rare Dark Blue & White Lace Agate Geode
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Rare Natural Artwork: Rare Blue and White Lace Agate Geode with Striped Patterns, All-Intact Description Brazil is one of the world’s top producers of agate, and occasionally a geo...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
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.