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.
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
$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
Brazilian Mid-Century Glazed Ceramic Canteen, 1980s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Sculptural canteen in glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
$470Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Pitcher With Lid
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Water Pitcher with Lid 'Pewter Flagon with Cover in the Portuguese Style' This beautifully crafted John Somers Brazi...
Pewter
Mid-Century Modern Textured Glass Pitcher, Amber Gradient, 1980s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Textured glass pitcher featuring a transparent-to-amber gradient and a textured surface that beautifully catches and diffuses light. Produced during the 1980s, the piece combines fun...
Glass
$230Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Pewter Pitcher by John Somers, Mid-20th Century, Brazil, 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
Classic John Somers Pewter Water or Juice Pitcher Elevate your table with this elegant mid-20th-century pewter pitcher by renowned designer John Somers. Crafted in Brazil, this high-...
Pewter
$230Sale Price|20% Off
John Somers 'Jarra de Cristal' Pitcher with Pewter Handle, Circa 1980
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter ‘Jarra de Cristal’ Pitcher Dimensions: 7 inches tall Material: Crystal-clear glass body for a sleek and timeless look Sturdy Brazilian pewter handle and...
Pewter
Vintage Turquoise Pitcher, Second Half of 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Turquoise pitcher is a decorative object realized in the second half of 20th century. Made in Italy. The object is realized in met...
Metal
Vintage Bubble Glass Pitcher, Italian Glass, Amber Accents, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Bubble glass pitcher is a beautiful original bronze-colored glass decorative object: Made in Italy vase realized in the 1970s of 20th century. Our specimen is a wonderful glas...
Glass
$209Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.42 in W 5.12 in D 3.94 in
Vintage 1980s German Ceramic Beer Stein - Traditional Bavarian Design
Located in Manzano, IT
Vintage 1980s German Ceramic Beer Stein - Traditional Bavarian Design Step into the heart of German tradition with this vintage ceramic beer stein ...
Aluminum
20th Century Spanish Glazed Cruche or Pitcher, Toledo, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
20th century Spanish glazed cruche or pitcher, Toledo, Spain The purpose of storing water in an earthenware pitcher is to keep the water cool.
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Handblown Clear Glass Pitcher by Pairpoint, USA
By Pairpoint Glassworks
Located in Sheffield, MA
The small creamer pitcher is made of handblown clear glass and is stamped "Pairpoint" an American glass company. The bottom has the center circle of the ...
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Eugene Deutch Glazed Ceramic Pitcher
By Eugene Deutch
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This glazed ceramic pitcher was made by noted Hungarian-born studio potter Eugene Deutch (1904-1959). Deutch studied under modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi in Paris before emig...
Ceramic
Antique English Renaissance Pewter Tankard, 20th Century Serveware
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style pewter tankard (measure).
Pewter
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.04 in W 10.04 in D 5.52 in
Mid-Century Modern Bull Shaped Pitcher in Green and White Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching ceramic bull jug / pitcher, Spain, 1960s. Spanish ceramic bull shaped jug with romanesque inspired decorative details in green, white and brown-black. This kind of tradi...
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage Italian Ceramic Pitcher by Bassano, Mid 20th Century
By Bassano
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage ceramic jug by Bassano made in Italy in mid 20th century. Bassano ceramics (also known as "Bassano del Grappa") is a traditional Italian craft produced in the city ...
Ceramic
Vintage Italian Ceramic Pitcher by Bassano, Mid 20th Century
By Bassano
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful vintage ceramic jug by Bassano made in Italy in mid 20th century. Bassano ceramics (also known as "Bassano del Grappa") is a traditional Italian craft produced in the city ...
Ceramic
Rare Staffordshire Agateware Pitcher with Pewter Lid, circa 1840
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Rare Staffordshire agateware pitcher with pewter lid, circa 1840. Baluster shaped body molded overall, with vinery in greens and yellows on a b...
Pewter
20th Century Miniature Cut Glass olive oil pitcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 20th-century miniature cut glass olive oil pitcher is a charming and functional piece that showcases the elegance of fine glass craftsmanship. The pitcher features a b...
Cut Glass
1950s Scheurich Ceramic Tall Glazed Ceramic Jug
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Chicago, IL
Large glazed ceramic brown jug with mottled taupe glaze and concentric circle detail by Scheurich Keramik West, Germany. Originally sold through Raymor. Mea...
Ceramic
Italian Mid-Century Murano Art Glass Pitcher
By Cenedese
Located in Atlanta, GA
Handblown glass pitcher with swirling teal, white, and amber coloration, flared spout, and applied handle. Likely Murano, mid-20th century. Polished pontil; light wear consistent wit...
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century Murano Art Glass Green Pitcher
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Midcentury Murano art glass pitcher in green that fades from gray to clear with an applied clear glass handle. Air bubbles throughout.
Art Glass