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.
Mid-century inlaid wood and butterfly-wing tray, Brazil, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century inlaid wood and butterfly-wing tray Brazilian factory, 1950s Blue Morpho & Caligo Butterfly Wings 48 x 30 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use.
Wood
Leather Object Holder AVRA by ARIA HOME - Square Small - Color: Savannah
Located in Curitiba, Parana
Function that honors the eye. The AVRA Collection expresses organization through precise, contemporary design, with catchall trays created to structure everyday life in a clear and ...
Leather
Hand-Hammered Copper Bowl by Taller Maya, 16-Inch Yucatán Craft
By Taller Maya
Located in New York, NY
This hand-hammered copper bowl reflects the disciplined material expression characteristic of traditional metalwork in the Yucatán Peninsula. Produced by artisans of Ensamble Artesan...
Bronze
$2,091 / item
Dark Bronze Ashtray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Dark Bronze ashtray by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 26 x D 14 x H 9 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
Brazilian Modern Bronze Ashtray by Eveli Przepiorka, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Eveli Przepiorka bronze ash tray or catchall, Brazil circa 1980s.
Bronze
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
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Red Lace Agate with Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, Serves 6
Located in Ametista Do Sul, BR
Elevate your dining experience with our exquisite Handmade Red Lace Agate with Stainless Steel Cutlery Tableware Set, thoughtfully designed to serve ...
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
Set of Five Textured Glass Whiskey Tumblers, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
A set of five whiskey tumblers handcrafted in Brazil circa 1970, featuring a distinctive textured surface reminiscent of tree bark. The organic pattern creates a tactile quality whil...
Glass
Weiss workshop. Brazilian ceramics - Centerpiece, c. 1950
By Weiss
Located in PARIS, FR
This Brazilian ceramic piece from the Weiss workshop, dating from the 1950s, is a unique and colorful work of art. This room, with a length of 30 cm, is designed to be used as a cent...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Brazilian Jacaranda Wood Tray Designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
By Jean Gillon
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Brazilian Jacaranda wood tray designed by Jean Gillon, circa 1960. Excellent vintage condition, very minor scratches on underside consistent with age and use. Includes ...
Jacaranda
St James Brazil Silver Plate Martini Pitcher Cocktail Mixer Jug, circa 1980
By St. James
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite Art Deco-inspired silver-plated pitcher is a rare masterpiece of modernist barware designed by St. James, Brazil. With its striking geometric scalloped sunburst shape,...
Metal, Silver Plate
1940'S BRAZILIAN INLAID WOOD TRAY WITH REAL MORPHO BUTTERFLY WiNGS
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are excited to present this vintage Brazilian inlaid wood tray with real Morpho butterfly wings. This vintage tray features a geometric pattern m...
Walnut
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
Brazilian Modern Curved Bar in Rosewood and Ebonized Hardwood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A rare and highly sculptural Brazilian Modern bar from the 1950s, this exceptional piece embodies the sophisticated material contrasts, architectural elegance, and organic forms that...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Hand Hammered Silver Fish Serving Plate by Marilena Mariotto
By Marilena Mariotto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Silver Metal Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Metal
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Small - Color: Vanilla
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Stylish Set of 12 Brazilian Silverplate & Porcelain Demitasse Cups & Saucers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylish set of 12 demitasse cups and saucers having a mix of silver plate and white porcelain. Cups are 2" round while saucers are 3.25 square. We love the fabulous sophisticated des...
Silver Plate
Brazilian Turned Solid Imbuia Wood Bowl, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Plate handcrafted in Brazil circa 1970 from solid imbuia wood. Turned from a single block of wood, the piece showcases the distinctive grain, rich coloration, and natural beauty of t...
Imbuia
$8,666 / item
Ava Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Ava bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 52.5 cm D 52.5 cm H 1.2 cm Materials: polished bronze. AVA BAR TRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLE TRAY FAKA...
Bronze
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Leaf-Form Serving Tray / Hand Carved Decorative piece
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully sculptural serving tray handcrafted in richly figured rosewood, designed in an elegant organic leaf form that captures the expressive craftsmanship and biomorphic sensi...
Rosewood
$427 / 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
$959 / item
Tomw Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tomw bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19 cm D 19 cm H 8.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. TOMW BOWL / ASHTRAY / CENTERPIECE / CANDLEHOLDER. Also available in polished bronze. FAK...
Bronze
Vintage Boho Carved Rock Crystal Skull
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the mystical allure and avant-garde aesthetic of the natural world with this impressive vintage hand-carved rock crystal skull. Hewn from a substantial block of clear quartz,...
Crystal
Wooden tray with Rio de Janeiro decoration, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative wooden serving tray dating from the 1970s. The rectangular tray features integrated handles and a richly decorated central panel depicting a peacock surrounded by butterfl...
Wood, Paint
Brazilian Modern Wine Holder with Lid in Rosewood & Imbuia, Jean Dobré, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Brazilian Modern craftsmanship, this sculptural wine holder was designed by Jean Dobré for Tropic Art during the 1960s. Expertly handcrafted from richly figured...
Imbuia, Rosewood
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Brazilian Architectural Bowl Slatted Centerpiece Mid-Century like Oscar Niemeyer
By Joaquim Tenreiro, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Made in Brazil, a hand-crafted footed centerpiece sculpture, truly an mid-century masterpiece. A fragile, brass belted, curved Jacaranda (Brazilian Rosewood) slat design. A rare find...
Jacaranda
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Pewter Plate, 11.5 Inches, Mid 20th Century Craftsmanship
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Pewter Plate – Brazilian Craftsmanship at Its Finest Celebrate the artistry of John Somers, one of the most distinguished pewter craftsmen of the 20th century. Hailing f...
Pewter
$1,050Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver and Turquoise Demitasse and Serving Spoons Set Of 14
Located in North Miami, FL
These lovely and regal set of 14 sterling silver and turquoise demitasse, espresso and serving spoons are vintage. They are hallmarked Prata 833 and hand wrought. They are from Brazi...
Sterling Silver
$86Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Pewter Pitcher by John Somers, Mid-20th Century, Brazil
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
Elegant Mid-20th Century Pewter Pitcher by John Somers – Brazil This beautifully crafted 6-inch pitcher is a distinguished piece by John Somers, a well-known Brazilian pewter manuf...
Pewter
Tatu Armadillo Sculpture by Taukana Regui Wauja, Ceramic, 2020, Brazil
Located in PARIS, FR
Taukana Regui Wauja Indigenous Ceramic "Tatu", 2020 This unique ceramic sculpture titled Tatu was created in 2020 by Taukana Regui Wauja, an Indigenous artist from the Wauja communit...
Ceramic, Terracotta
Brazilian Modern Serving Tray in Jacraanda, by Jean Gillon for WoodArt, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and produced in Brazil during the 1960s, this serving tray exemplifies the designer’s ability to reconcile sculptural restraint with material rich...
Hardwood
Great modern mirror tray, Brazil 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Great mid-century modern mirror tray, Brazil 1960s. H 3.5 cm. 64 X 45 cm. Conditions: good consistent with age and use. Few small defects, please check the pictures.
Mirror, Wood
Rustic Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, Handcrafted, Late 20th Century, Brazil
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Rustic glazed ceramic pitcher distinguished by its textured surface and handcrafted character. The light-toned glaze enhances its organic form, giving the piece a refined yet underst...
Ceramic
$2,350 / item
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli’s new collection synthesizes the foundational aspects of his practice, bringing together techniques and resources that have long inhabited his repertoire, but now achi...
Bronze
St James Brazil Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Server Duo, 2 pieces
By St. James
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl duo—also suitable as chiller dishes—designed by renowned silversmith St James Brazil. The duo pieces were meticulously crafte...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
'Aya' Minimalist and Modern Tray in Brazilian Hardwood by Knót Artesanal
By Knót Artesanal
Located in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro
Aya is a simple and multi-functional piece that serves as a tray, a table centre-piece or a fruit bowl. The brass handle facilitates its transport and can be separated allowing the rest to be used solely as a tray. Minimalist and mid-century modern in its style Aya's clean lines and curves combined with the brass details give it a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. Handmade using Brazilian hardwood Cumaru along with brass details. Knót Artesanal...
Brass
Prata Wolff Silver Plate Platter Tray Centerpiece with Lucite Horn Handles
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite serving tray is a true masterpiece designed by silversmith Prata Wolff in the 1980s. A striking example of modernist artistry, this substantial ovoid silver-plated pla...
Metal, Silver Plate
$878 / item
Nina Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Nina bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 17 x D 17 x H 3.5 cm Materials: black/brown bronze. Nina bowl / ashtray / centerpiece / candle holder / card holder FAKASAKA is a ...
Bronze
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Brazilian Serving Dish Exotic Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a sculptural serving dish tray in exotic wood. Unsigned. Dimensions: 20.25" L x 6.63" W x 1.5" H. Please visit take a look at our listings, we have an amazi...
Rosewood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Tray in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Brazil in the 1960s, this elongated serving tray reflects the disciplined minimalism that characterized the country’s modern design movement during its period of inter...
Hardwood
$310Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Serving Bowl with Lid/Extra Bowl
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Pewter Serving Dish with Lid – Elegant & Versatile This exquisite pewter serving dish by renowned 20th-century Brazilian pewtersmith John Somers is both functional a...
Pewter
$1,086 / item
Bowl, Large Quartz Points by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Bowl, large quartz points by Aver Dimensions: D 25 x W 25 x H 14 cm Materials: Quartz, steel, polyvinyl chloride, resin.
Quartz, Steel
$1,305 / item
Charlie Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Charlie bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 19.5 cm D 19.5 cm H 3.5 cm. Materials: black/brown bronze. Charlie bowl / ashtray / centerpiece / candle holder / card holder F...
Bronze
$2,311 / item
O'Connor Bowl by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
O'Connor bowl by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 41.5 cm D 16 cm H 9.5 cm. Materials: dark bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on pro...
Bronze
Geraldo De Barros Bar Cart
By Geraldo de Barros
Located in Washington, DC
A rare and highly collectible bar cart designed by Geraldo de Barros for Hobjeto, one of the most influential manufacturers associated with the development of Brazilian modern design...
Metal
Silver Plated and Rosewood Tea Set by Aurea, 1960s.
Located in New York, NY
Silver Plated, Rosewood Tray: H 4.5 cm x W 36.5 cm x D 30 cm H 1,77 in. x W 14,37 in. x D 11,81 in. Piece 1: H 15 cm x W 7.5 cm x D 14 cm H 5,90 in. x W 2,95 in. x D 5,51 in. Piece...
Silver Plate
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
$4,183 / set
Pair of Dark Bronze Ashtrays by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Pair of Dark Bronze Ashtrays by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 26 x D 14 x H 9 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
$1,120 / item
Mark Small Box by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mark small box by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 10 cm D 10 cm H 6.5 cm. Materials: polished bronze. Also available in black/brown bronze. FAKASAKA is...
Bronze
VINTAGE CIRCULAR BRAZILIAN RIO DE JANEIRO METAL TRAY REAL MORPHO BUTTERFLY WiNGS
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London We are delighted to offer for sale this Morpho Butterfly Metal Tray. A vintage circular metal tray, dating from the mid-20th century, originating from Rio de ...
Hardwood
Embuia Brazil Mid Century Modern Wood Nutcracker, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embuia Brazil nutcracker manufactured, circa 1960. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Wood.
Wood
Wood Fruit Bowl, Marítima, Brazilian Contemporary by Lattoog
By Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
Like a leaf: light and soft. That's how we thought about this piece: Organic like the fruits it contains. Like a fluid - in constant motion. That's how w...
Wood, Plywood
Brazilian tropical wood serving set by Jean Dobre for Tropic-Art, circa 1960
Located in View Park, CA
A set of tropical wood Brazilian modern bowls by Jean Dobre for Tropic-art, circa 1960. Finely crafted of imbuia, a highly-prized tropical wood from southern Brazil, with chrome edgi...
Metal
$335 / 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
Tropic-Art Brazilian Modern Jacaranda Wood Wine Bottle Opener, 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian modern Jacaranda wood wine opener by Tropic-Aft, 1970s.
Wood
$2,091 / item
Box, Ashtray in Dark Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Box, Ashtray in Dark Bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 28 x D 12 x H 10 cm Materials: Dark bronze.
Bronze
Brazilian Silver Plate Coin Ashtray
Located in New York, NY
A silver plate and metal coin ashtray from Brazilian restaurant 'Cine Modas', circa mid-20th century, Brazil. Restaurant information is embossed around to...
Metal, Silver Plate
Francisco Brennand. Ceramic egg, c. 1970. Stamp of the Manufacture
By Francisco Brennand
Located in PARIS, FR
Francisco Brennand - Recife - Brazil (1927-2019) Ceramic egg, c. 1970 Stamp of the Manufacture "Oficina Brennand (made in Brazil)" Historical piece Enameled ceramics 13 x 8 x 8 cm 5 ...
Enamel
Jean Dobré for Tropic-Art Staved Solid Imbuia Wood Plate, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Wood plate designed by Jean Dobré for Tropic-Art, Brazil, circa 1970. Expertly crafted from solid imbuia wood using the staved construction technique, the piece highlights the rich g...
Imbuia
$2,091 / item
Box, Ashtray in Polished Bronze by FAKASAKA Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Box, ashtray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 28 x D 12 x H 10 cm Materials: Polished bronze.
Bronze
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