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.
$400 / item
Gota Bottle Opener by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
With a droplet-shaped design and crafted from cast aluminum, this limited edition not only serves as a functional item but also acts as a catalyst for initiating, expanding, and dive...
Aluminum
$3,088Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-Century Modern Wood Nutcracker from Brazil, Embuia, Circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embuia Brazil nutcracker manufactured, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Wood.
Wood
$329 / item
Crocodile Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 14.5 cm D 14.5 cm H 0.7 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 1 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
1950s Brazilian Modern Bar in Rosewood and Ebonized Hardwood, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural expression of Brazilian Modern refinement, this 1950s bar balances architectural clarity with sensual curvature. Executed in two contrasting woods — richly grained rosew...
Metal
$235 / item
Crocodile Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11 cm D 11 cm H 0.6 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 2 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
$235 / item
Crocodile Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 11 cm D 11 cm H 0.6 cm. Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. CROCODILE COASTER 2 CUP COASTER...
Bronze
$329 / item
Crocodile Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Crocodile Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 14.5 cm D 14.5 cm H 0.7 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. Crocodile coaster 1 cup coaster...
Bronze
$258 / 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: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze....
Bronze
Polished Cast Brass Primeiro Corkscrew by Studio Orth
Located in Geneve, CH
Polished Cast Brass Primeiro Corkscrew by Studio Orth Dimensions: W 12 x D 5 x H 24 cm Materials: Cast metal. Finishes: Polished Cast Brass or Polished Cast Aluminum. About: Studio...
Metal
St James Brazil Silver Plate Martini Pitcher Cocktail Mixer Jug, circa 1980
By St. James
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your cocktail experience with this exquisite Art Deco-inspired silver-plated pitcher, a rare masterpiece of modernist barware designed by St. James, Brazil. With its striking g...
Metal, Silver Plate
St. James Silver Plated bottle holders, Brazil, 1980's
By St. James
Located in BELFORT, FR
Nice and rare pair of silver plated bottle wine holders, made by St. James, Brazil, during the 1980's. They're in very good condition. Maker's mark are on the side, as showed in pict...
Metal, Silver Plate
Jean Dobré Jacaranda and Stainless Steel Coasters for Tropic-Art - Set of Six
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 6 Jacaranda and stainless steel drink coasters designed byu Jean Dobré for Tropic-Art, Brazil 1960s.
Wood
Pietrina Checcacci Brazilian Modern Bronze Hand Sculpture and Bottle Opener
By Pietrina Checcacci
Located in Miami, FL
Modern patinated bronze sculpture of a hand with bottle opener on the reverse. Signed by Brazilian plastics artist Pietrina Checcacci.
Bronze
Brazilian Mid-Century Wine holder in Hardwood & Metal, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with a combination of hardwood and metal finishes, this charming wine holder showcases a unique design. The main structure gracefully rests on two legs, creating an inclined ...
Metal
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Geraldo De Barros Bar Cart
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Washington, DC
Solidly elegant bar cart by important Brazilian Modernist Geraldo De Barros, whom many consider to be the father of Brazilian Modernism. Simple lines and curvaceous corners give th...
Metal
Set of two “Hercules Inox” bottle openers, Brazil 1960s.
Located in Barcelona, ES
Corkscrew and cap opener in Brazilian wood, stainless steel and brass, set designed and produced by “Hercules Inox”, a company from São Paulo dedicated t...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$200 / item
Stringray Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stringray coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10.7 cm D 10.7 cm H 0.5 cm Materials: dark bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Stringray coaster 2 Cup coaster...
Bronze
$482 / item
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist coaster 1 by Fakasaka design. Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Also available in polished bronze. Bru...
Bronze
Ice bucket “Eva” designed by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil 1970s.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ice bucket with tweezers “Eva”, a line of plastic household utensils designed by Jorge Zalszupin, Paulo Jorge Pedreira and Oswaldo Mellone in 1970s.
Plastic
$1,020 / item
Joy Collection, Steel Desk Basket
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
Contemporary Geometric Copper and Blue Metal Coaster Set
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This set of 6 coasters make an ideal gift. Hand brushed and crafted from production leftover, turning the irregular form into finish unique product. Design with strong geometry and c...
Copper
$200 / item
Stringray Coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Stringray coaster 2 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10.7 cm D 10.7 cm H 0.5 cm Materials: polished bronze. Also available in dark bronze. Stringray coaster 2 Cup coaster...
Bronze
$482 / item
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Brutalist Coaster 1 by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 17 cm D 17 cm H 0.9 cm. Materials: polished bronze Also available in black/brown bronze. BRUTALIST COASTER 1 CUP COASTER / BOTTLE COASTER / CANDLE...
Bronze
$258 / 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
French Silver Bottle Opener
Located in New York, NY
French silver bottle opener. Silvered and gold metal bottle opener with harlequin diapered engine turned cylinder. France 1930’s Dimensions: 6.38" H x 1.5" W x .38" D
Metal, Silver Plate
Wood Nutcracker Designed by Carl Auböck III
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
This nutcracker by Carl Auböck III by is a simply elegant design. The wooden sides feel very nice in hand, and the ebony and maple contrast and complem...
Ebony, Maple
Bottle Opener Model 4224 by Carl Auböck, 1949
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Brussels, BE
Bottle Opener Model 4224 by Carl Auböck, 1949
Brass
Bottle Opener by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, AT
Bottle opener by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s. Original condition.
Metal, Brass
Christofle Corkscrew Bottle Opener
By Christofle
Located in Mérida, YU
French Corkscrew bottle opener manufactured by Christofle in the 1970s. Silverpalted with very elegant handle. Very good condition.
Metal
$937 / set
H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 6.3 in
Aldo Tura Decorative Bar Set in Carved Wood and Brass, Macabo, Italy 1950s
By Macabo, Aldo Tura
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful bar set in carved wood and brass. This lovely set was designed by Aldo Tura and produced by Macabo in Milano, Italy during the 1950s. The set consist of a pitcher, 6 glass...
Metal, Brass
$1,330
H 17.52 in W 11.5 in D 0.12 in
Jack Daniels Old Number 7 Whiskey Tin Advertising Bar Sign / 1950s Midcentury
By Jack Daniels
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Jack Daniels old number 7 whiskey tin advertising bar sign / 1950s midcentury. Perfect to decorate a Man Cave Bar. We have specialized in the sale of Art...
Tin
$460
H 3.13 in W 11.38 in D 3.75 in
Gorgeous Brass Lizard Nutcracker Vintage, France, 1960s Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s french large and heavy nutcracker shaped like an lizard. Nice addition to your room, to use it as is or just for your collection of bronze items. Found at an esta...
Bronze, Brass
$260
H 5.38 in W 138 in D 1 in
Mid-century Modern Brass Metal Nutcracker in the Shape of a Woman's Legs, 70s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1970s nutcracker in the playful form of elegant lady legs, a whimsical piece of vintage barware that blends humor, design, and function. Crafted with a sculptural silho...
Brass, Bronze
Round Coasters set in black marble
Located in Mexico City, MX
Set of four round coasters in Monterrey black marble. Handmade in México by local craftsmen. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-1...
Marble
Anna Karlin Bottle Opener 01
By Anna Karlin
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural tabletop object of cast bronze that feels natural and comfortable in the hand. Opens crown cap bottles. Materials: Cast Bronze + Stainless Steel Dimensions: 4-1/4" L x 2-1/4" W x 1-7/8" H The bronze is unlacquered and will develop a natural patina over time. It may be cleaned using brass...
Bronze
Sterling Silver Wine Bottle Coaster
Located in New York, NY
A sterling silver and glass wine bottle coaster by Frank M. Whiting Co., circa early 20th century, Massachusetts, USA. Piece is sterling silver and...
Sterling Silver
Agate Coasters Brazilian
Located in New York, NY
A set of Brazilian neutral agate stone wine, champagne or cocktail coaster set, Postmodern design, circa late 20th century, Brazil. Set includes six (6) round agate stone and rosewoo...
Onyx, Agate
Brazilian Hardwood, Horn and Chrome Ice Bucket, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Brazilian Hardwood, Horn and Chrome Ice Bucket,m 1960’s. Excellent original condition, handles are made of horn. Measures 10” tall 9” wide from handle to handle, 7” diameter at bott...
Horn, Hardwood
Elegant petite John Somers pewter mug
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
Renowned John Somers Pewter Cup – Elegant Petite Design by Brazilian Artisan Crafted by acclaimed Brazilian artisan John Somers, this exquisite pewter cup embodies both refined eleg...
Pewter
Blue Agate Coasters, Set of 4
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of four (4) polished blue agate cocktail, Champagne, or any drink coasters. Beautiful shades of blue and a touch of grey. A great addition to any bar, bar cart, or en...
Agate
Purple Agate Coasters
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of four (4) purple amethyst hue agate cocktail, Champagne, or any drink coasters. A great addition to any bar, bar cart, or entertaining area, etc. And a necessity fo...
Agate
Antique Vintage Metal French Crocodile Shaped Nutcracker
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique vintage traditional nutcracker. In a crocodile shape. Made by unknown manufacturer in France, circa 1960. In original condition, wear consistent with age and use, prese...
Metal
1960s Style Jean Gillon Italma Rosewood and Bronze Ice Bucket Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Sensational Style Jean Gillon Italma Rosewood and Bronze Ice Bucket Solid rosewood bronze hardware. Interior has original white liner. Unmarked attributed to manner of Jean Gil...
Bronze
Sold
H 11.5 in W 12 in D 7 in
Vintage Silver-Plate Shell Ice Bucket or Champagne Bucket with Shell Form Feet
Located in North Miami, FL
This elegant and refined vintage shell ice or champagne bucket is silver plate and hallmarked on the top of the opening and says "Queen Plate Made In Brazil"...
Silver Plate
Coffee Cup Set “Eva” by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Interesting and rare set of three coffee cups designed by Jorge Zalszupin, are part of the line of home objects called Eva, which was produced and distributed in Brazil in the 1970s....
Plastic
Antique Silver Toothpick or Cocktail Stick Holder Brazil, C.1850
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Antique silver toothpick or cocktail stick holder, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, circa 1850. The holder in the form of an exotic bird surmounted on ...
Silver
Sold
H 11.42 in W 7.49 in D 7.09 in
St James Brazil Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Serving Dish Chiller
By St. James
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish and large egg or ovoid-shaped silver plate caviar bowl, serving dish, or caviar chiller set is hallmarked St James, made in Brazil with a coat of...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 8.08 in W 7.49 in D 4.93 in
St James Brazil Modernist Twisted Silver Plate Barware Martini Cocktail Pitcher
By St. James, Christofle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stylish modernist Art Deco-inspired silver plate barware cocktail or Martini pitcher designed by St James, Brazil. This drink jug has a minimalist chic design, featuring a geometric twisted scalloped sunburst shape, a sturdy handle, and an ice lip. The silver metal used is hardened and pre-brightened, making it more durable and easy to maintain. We have completed the set with a silver plate long stirrer spoon made by Christofle, France, for a more enjoyable cocktail party experience. The pitcher has a mark underside reading: St James Brazil...
Metal, Silver Plate
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Artist Simone Crestani conjures the fascination you remember from Chemistry 101.
Raise a glass to good design. In these sophisticated drinking destinations, there's always something to celebrate.