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 Galhos Wall Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Galhos Wall Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 8-12 x H 2.5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stu...
Metal
15th Century or Earlier Redware Tangas, Marajoara Culture, Marajo Island, Brazil
Located in Point Richmond, CA
15th Century or Earlier Redware Tangas, Marajoara culture, Marajo Island, Brazil Tangas are thin concave triangular ceramic pubic covers found in burial mounds associated with fem...
Earthenware
Decorative Brazilian Indian Ceremonial Mask on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorative Brazilian Indian ceremonial mask on stand.
Steel
Lemon Quartz Cluster Mineral with Coordinating Baroque Pearls and Geode
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Lemon quartz crystal cluster with coordinating natural forming Baroque pearls and geode on a Lucite stand. Lemon Quartz is known for its vibrant color that naturally forms in its mat...
Rock Crystal
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
Polished Cast Brass Garra Door Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Garra Door Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 14 x D 6 x H 33 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio O...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Figa Dupla Door Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Figa Dupla Door Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 13 x D 8 x H 6 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stud...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Figa Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Figa Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 8 x D 6 x H 13 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Stud...
Metal
Polished Cast Brass Principe Sculptural Object by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Principe Sculptural Object by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 11 x D 7 x H 24 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. About:...
Metal
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
Polished Cast Brass Mino G Towel Hanger by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Mino G Towel Hanger by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 66 x D 8 x H 5 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum About: Studio ...
Metal
Polished Agate Slice with Natural Forming Pearl Accent
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Polished agate slice centered with natural forming pearl. Agate coral is Florida's state stone and is known for its unique formation that can take place over 20 million years. It's ...
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Pink Amethyst Crescent Moon Display
Located in New York, NY
This dreamy Pink Amethyst display showcases four hand-carved crescent moons, each cut from solid, natural stone and arranged in a balanced celestial composition upon a custom metal s...
Amethyst, Metal
Amethyst Slice with Calcite Deposits and a Baroque Pearl on a Polished Wood Base
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Amethyst slice with calcite deposits and a Baroque natural forming pearl on a polished wood base. This amethyst is rare in how large it is and how it...
Amethyst, Gold Leaf
Antique Brazilian Signed Vieira De Castro Rio Porcelain Chinese Noble Figure
By João Vieira
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th century antique Brazilian signed Porcelain Vieira De Castro Rio This delicate Brazilian porcelain reppresenting a noble chinese woman holding ...
Porcelain
$1,387Sale Price|25% Off
Sculptural Amethyst with Fluorite on an 18th Century Italian Altar Base
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Sculptural amethyst crystal with fluorite on an 18th century Italian altar base. The amethyst crystal is originally from Brazil and has a fluorite inclusion. It is mounted on an ...
Amethyst, Gold Leaf
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
Light Grey With Light Olive Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a wood stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this transluce...
Agate
Amethyst Slice with a Baroque Pearl on a Polished Wood Base
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Amethyst slice with a baroque natural forming pearl on a polished wood base. This amethyst is rare in how large it is, its beautiful shape, and its l...
Amethyst
Dark Grey Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of dark grey agate mounted on a wood stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this...
Agate
Grey Border Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a custom steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this t...
Agate
Dark Grey Thick Slice of Agate Sculpture on Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Dark grey Brazilian thick slice of agate mounted on a steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make th...
Agate
$10,500
Large Fluorite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive large-scale green fluorite sculpture mounted on silver leaf base.
$68,996 / item
Symbiotic Wall by Mameluca
Located in Geneve, CH
Symbiotic wall by Mameluca Material: Brazilian woods cedar, jequitibá rosa Dimensions: D 300 x W 200 x H 350 cm With this goal, we created an intersection line that 'separates' ...
Wood
$9,465 / item
Natural Amethyst Flower by Demian Quincke
By Demian Quincke
Located in Geneve, CH
Natural amethyst flower by Demian Quincke Dimensions: 40 x 30 x H 11 cm Materials: Natural Amethyst Weight: 3.1 kg This is a collector’s unique piece. Geological studies indica...
Amethyst
Airin Canedo brazilian multicolor sculpture circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AIRIN CANEDO multimaterials sculpture circa 1990.
Metal, Other
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic
By Ethic&Tropic
Located in Warsaw, PL
Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...
Cane
$3,200
H 25.75 in W 7 in D 5.5 in
African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...
Brass, Copper
$1,093
H 17.72 in W 3.94 in D 3.35 in
Papau New Guinea Sentani Mounted Nephrite Axe, Early 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Large and exceptional vintage tribal carved green jade/nephrite axe from Sentani, Papau New Guinea. The Axe is mounted in a custom made bronze base and is...
Stone
Pair of Vintage Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of tan and brown col...
Stone, Quartz
Single Yua Wenga Currency from the Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand. This antique tribal currency piece from Papua New Guinea has been carved ...
Bone
Cast Bronze European Contemporary Sculptural Door Handle
By Margit Wittig
Located in London, GB
Margit Wittig has used her sculptural skills to create beautifully-crafted, well-proportioned door handles, which are compositions of her unique signature pearl-shaped designs. Each door pull begins as hand-sculpted spheres which are used to create moulds. Margit refers to these finished spheres as pearls. These highly original, eye-catching fixture comes in bespoke length, depending on the number of pearls. The door handles are cast in bronze. Margit Wittig is inspired by modern artists and sculptors such as Giacometti and Ivon Hitchens. Her work is constantly evolving using different textures as the driving force - intertwined with her work with color. Her functional art spreads the gamit from modern simplicity to rich and complex designs and color. Her pieces are placed with collectors around the globe. Working from her studio in London, as well as door handles, Margit creates artistic lighting...
Bronze
$420 / item
H 1.97 in W 2.76 in D 13.78 in
"Femur" Contemporary Decorative Golden Object in Cast Brass by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Contemporary decorative object, in cast brass. Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This golden decorative object was meticulously handmade by master artisans one delicate piece at a time...
Brass
$680 / item
H 3.94 in W 2.37 in D 4.34 in
"Rino"Contemporary Silver Hanger in Aluminium Cast by Estudio Orth
By Estúdio Orth
Located in Sao Paulo, BR
Produced in São Paulo, Brazil. This contemporary Hanger was meticulously handmade by master artisans one piece at a time. It is therefore quite difficult, if not impossible to mak...
Aluminum
$561
H 11.4 in W 5.1 in D 2.8 in
Natural Orange Citrine Geode Cluster with Aesthetic Calcite Inclusions
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
▫️ Description ▫️ This Citrine Cluster stands out for its rich, beautiful orange tone, the sparkling points that remain beautifully intact across the surface, and the aesthetic calc...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
Vintage Geode Quartz Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Admired since ancient times, natural quartz is prized for its extraordinary natural design. These vintage 1970s gems are polished and present the beautiful array of blue grayish colo...
Stone
$733Sale Price / item|36% Off
H 13.39 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Decorative Buddha Head Stand Antique RESIN BUDDHA HEAD ON STAND 1960
Located in Wembley, GB
The antique Buddha head is an icon of confidence, awareness, knowledge, compassion and concentrated meditative practices. Every faculty of the Budd...
Metal, Gold Plate, Sheet Metal, Gold Leaf
$590
H 4.25 in W 8 in D 1.5 in
Walter Bosse Elephants Brass Key Hanger by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming and rare key holder, displaying five elephants in different sizes. A very humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, Austria, in the 1950s. Also suitable as a towel holder or for dish towels...
Brass
Pink Amethyst Crescent Moon Display
Located in New York, NY
This striking pair of hand-carved Pink Amethyst crescent moons is mounted on a custom metal stand, creating a sculptural display that blends elegance with natural wonder. The soft bl...
Amethyst, Metal
Dark Brown Thin Slice Agate on Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a wooden stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely brown color patterns and cream banding make th...
Agate
Tree Agate Sculpture on Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian tree agate mounted on stand "Tree agate is also known as dendritic agate. Dendrites are crystal inclusions that develop in foliage or tree branch-like patterns." "Tree-...
Agate
Citrine Quartz Crystal Cluster on Metal Stand (7", 2.6 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
AAA quality Brazilian Citrine crystal cluster free-form lined with large lustrous golden citrine quartz crystals. This beautiful specimen has v...
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Sold
H 5.5 in W 10.5 in D 4 in
Black Crystal Cluster with an 18th Century Italian Flower Fragment on Lucite
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Black crystal cluster with coordinating 18th century Italian flower fragment on a black lucite stand. The black crystal point cluster is originally from Brazil and is adorned with...
Rock Crystal
Black Tourmaline Stone Sculpture On Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian large black cut tourmaline stone on stand. Black mixed with cream and a rust back. Black Tourmaline is a stone often used for protection. It's a great stone for soaking...
Tourmaline
Black and Cream Tourmaline Stone Sculpture on Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian large black cut tourmaline stone on stand. Black mixed with cream. Black Tourmaline is a stone often used for protection. It's a great stone for soaking up negative ene...
Tourmaline
Sold
H 14 in W 8.5 in D 6 in
Black with Cream Tourmaline Stone Sculpture on Stand, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian large black cut tourmaline stone on stand. Black mixed with cream. Black Tourmaline is a stone often used for protection. It's a great stone for soaking up negative ene...
Tourmaline
Crystal Center Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a custom steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this t...
Agate
White Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a wood stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this transluce...
Agate
Dark Brown with Blue Rings Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a custom steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this t...
Agate
Sold
H 7.5 in Dm 5.5 in
Dark Grey Border, Crystal Center Thin Slice Agate Sculpture, Brazil, Prehistoric
Located in New York, NY
Brazilian thin slice of agate mounted on a custom steel stand. Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this t...
Agate