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.
Calcite Crystal Cluster with Natural Baroque Pearls
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
Calcite crystal cluster adorned with natural forming gold baroque pearls in its matrix. Calcite is the most abundant carbonate on Earth and commonly forms in caves, hot springs, an...
Rock Crystal, Crystal
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
Lemon Quartz Cluster Mineral with Coordinating Baroque Pearls and Geode
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
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
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
Sculptural Amethyst with Fluorite on an 18th Century Italian Altar Base
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
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
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 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 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
$1,006 / item
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 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 Circular Agate Slice with Natural Pearl Accent
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
Circular polished agate slice with natural forming pearl. Agate is formed within volcanic rock, creating colorful and complex varieties of banded chalcedony and crystal quartz; a pr...
Crystal, Rock Crystal
Polished Agate Slice with Natural Forming Pearl Accent
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
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
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
Luminous Rock Crystal Mounted on Custom Stand, 15"H
Located in New York, NY
Large natural rock crystal (clear quartz) cluster, elegantly mounted on a custom black stand, composed of densely packed, well-formed prismatic points with softly translucent to milk...
Rock Crystal
Radiant Rock Crystal Cluster Mounted on Custom Stand, 15"H
Located in New York, NY
Large natural rock crystal (clear quartz) cluster, dramatically mounted on a custom black stand, featuring multiple well-formed prismatic points with softly translucent to milky clar...
Rock Crystal
Amethyst Slice with Calcite Deposits and a Baroque Pearl on a Polished Wood Base
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
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
Amethyst Slice with a Baroque Pearl on a Polished Wood Base
By Interi
Located in Columbia, SC
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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 Agate Sculpture on Wood Stand, Brazilian Natural Specimen
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 Grey Agate Sculpture on Wood Stand, Brazilian Natural Specimen
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
Dark Grey Agate Sculpture on Steel Stand, Brazilian Natural Specimen
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
Brazilian Agate Sculpture on Steel Stand, Unique Natural Decor, 6.5”
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
$70,142 / 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
$10,500
Large Fluorite Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impressive large-scale green fluorite sculpture mounted on silver leaf base.
Airin Canedo brazilian multicolor sculpture circa 1990
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible AIRIN CANEDO multimaterials sculpture circa 1990.
Metal, Other
$9,623 / 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
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
$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
$645
H 23.63 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Indonesian 'Wayang Golek" Shadow Puppet, Java, Indonesia, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This “Wayang Golek” is a visibly old shadow puppet carved using soft wood and cloth. It features an articulated head and arms connected to rods, the dress...
Wood, Fabric
$904Sale Price|20% Off
H 6 in W 6.3 in D 9.5 in
Natural Orange Citrine Geode Cave with Calcite Inclusions, Natural Decor Crystal
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
With its golden orange color tone and natural, beautiful cave-like shape, this Citrine Geode is a fabulous small Citrine specimen. It is undoubtedly a Citrine that will serve as a st...
Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
18th Century Italian Carved Figure
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From a beautiful home in Santa Barbara. Not sure if paint is original, but it is definitely old. Finely carved with a lot of character.
Wood, Paint
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
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
$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
Natural Coral Mounted On 18th Century Fragment
Located in Bradenton, FL
A rather large hand-crafted sculpture specimen of natural coral branches mounted on a 18th century wooden fragment base.
Coral
Stunning South Pacific Clam Shell – Sculptural Organic Modern Object
Located in Valencia, VC
A stunning medium white South Pacific clam shell with an exceptional, sculptural shape. Striking and tactile, this piece is even more beautifu...
Other
$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
Quartz Cluster
Located in London, GB
This exquisite quartz cluster from the Cabaçaco Claim, Minas Gerais, Brazil, features a stunning arrangement of perfectly transparent crystals of varying sizes, intertwined and grace...
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal
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 Columbia, SC
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