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.
$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
$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
Ceramic Pitcher 18
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
Brazilian Mid-Century Ceramic Pitcher #25
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Glazed ceramic pitcher with a classic and versatile form, highlighting the richness of its finish and the handcrafted character typical of decorative ceramics from the period. Equall...
Ceramic
80's Textured Glass Pitcher
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
$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
$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 Regency Etched Glass Martini Pitcher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Serve in style with this Vintage Regency Etched Glass Martini Pitcher. Its elegant etching and timeless design make it perfect for entertaining, adding a touch of sophistication to y...
Glass
Original classic Ceramic Pitcher, Italy 1970s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful classic ceramic pitcher made in Italy in the 1970s. The vintage pitcher has the original manufacturer's label. The pottery jug is in g...
Ceramic
English Ceramic Original Christmas Tree Pitcher
By Cuthbertson
Located in Bradenton, FL
An English ceramic pitcher decorated with the ‘Original Christmas Tree’ pattern made by Cuthbertson. In front is featured the beloved Christmas Tree topped with a radiant star and ad...
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
$255
H 9.75 in W 7 in D 6 in
ROBINSON RANSBOTTOM POTTERY CO - Glazed Ceramic Pitcher - US - Late 20th Century
By Robinson Ransbottom Company
Located in Chatham, ON
ROBINSON RANSBOTTOM POTTERY COMPANY - Vintage glazed ceramic pitcher - impressed mark on the base - United States (Roseville - Ohio) - late 20th century. Excellent/mint vintage cond...
Ceramic
1950's Murano Glass Pitcher for Water
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful Murano glass water jug. Large model. Made of smoke colored glass, with fine accents of white lines. The handle is nicely decorated with a swi...
Murano Glass
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
1970s Modernist Barware Glass Pitcher
By Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC Presents: a 1970s Glass Drink Pitcher modern lines. 11.5 h x 6.75 diameter x 6.75d Preowned vintage Refer to images listed
Glass
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
Multicolored Glass Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Multicolored glass pitcher. American hand blown pink, yellow, amber and silver fused glass design pitcher with ruffled spout and rim and clear glass handle. United States, circa 1900...
Art 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