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.
Jacaranda Wood Tray by Lunning Collection, Brazil, circa 1960
By Jean Gillon, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jacaranda Wood Tray Lunning Collection Brazil, circa 1960 In the style of Jean Gillon, Brazil In the style of Jens Quistgaard, Denmark "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food...
Hardwood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian mid-century modern serving platter is absolutely stunning. This platter is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and features...
Wood, Hardwood
Charcuterie Platter in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, c. 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted from rosewood (also known as Jacaranda), this charcuterie platter features clean lines with elegant curves. The rosewood has two rich tones with stunning natural wood gra...
Hardwood
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
Brazilian Modern Miniature Serving Platter in Hardwood & Ceramic by Casa Finland
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this miniature serving platter, designed by Casa Finland, can be an amazing addition to any home! This tiny serving platter is made of two parts. The top piece is a ...
Ceramic, Hardwood
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
Modernist Amorphic Crystal Quartz Tray Hand Finished with White Gilt Border
Located in New York, NY
This elegant modernist tray features a beautiful slab of crystal quartz geode in a warm honeyed off white hue- exhibiting the natural beauty of t...
Quartz
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
Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray, model 321, c. 1960
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
This rectangular top in solid wood, measuring 29 x 16.5 cm, was created by Jean Gillon. The tray bears the WoodArt label with the mention "1/321". The choice of solid wood emphasises...
Hardwood
"P.li " platter by Andrea Macruz, Brazilian Contemporary Design
By Andrea Macruz
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Andrea Macruz, the "P.li" is a contemporary platter made of porcelain. Created in 2011. P.li is a platter whose drawing was developed through a parametric software and...
Porcelain
Midcentury Teak Serving Tray or Platter
Located in San Diego, CA
Midcentury teak serving tray or platter from Denmark, circa 1960s. The platter is 12" in diameter and .5" high. The piece is in very good...
Teak
$325
H 0.92 in W 18.75 in D 3.4 in
Mid-Century Modern Korina Wood Divided Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage hand carved rectangular wood tray features Modernist shape and graphic wood grain patterns with the natural tonal range. The handle is wrapped with reed or cane. Minimal shap...
Reed, Wood
Jens H. Quistgaard Teak Serving Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A divided teak wood tray with an end-grain teak cutting surface and a recessed section, designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ...
Wood, Teak
$495
H 4 in W 15.5 in D 7.5 in
American Organic Modern Handcrafted Hardwood Decorative Serving Tray Centerpiece
Located in Miami, FL
American organic modern handcrafted hardwood decorative serving tray or centerpiece with a finish. Note the beautiful wood grain of this Rustic...
Hardwood
$325
H 0.75 in W 13 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Reed, Wood
$250
H 1.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in
Majolica Hand Painted Ceramic Turkey Motif Thanksgiving Serving Tray or Platter
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large oval Thanksgiving turkey serving platter. Created from ceramic, this large majolica platter will be a fabulous way to add a festive touch ...
Ceramic, Paint
Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Tea Set
Located in Montreal, QC
Service is comprised of teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, sugar cube tongs, and two stirrers. Illegible signature to underside of tray. USA: circa 1950 teapot: 6¼ h × 5 w × 3¼ d in tray: ...
Silver Plate
Nouveau / Arts and Crafts Copper Coffee Set
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit presents for your consideration a wondeeful tea service from the Arts and Crafts period. Dazzle guests with a one of a kind find like this early 20th century coffee/tea ...
Copper
$556Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.5 in W 18 in D 14 in
19th Century Staffordshire Blue Willow Serving Platter
By Staffordshire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th century large blue willow serving platter is signed Staffordshire, England. The condition is in mint condition.
Porcelain
5-Piece Art Deco Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set - France
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant five-piece French silver-plated tea and coffee service from the Art Deco Period. The set includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl with lid, milk jug, and a large oval tray w...
Silver Plate
$585 / item
H 2.37 in W 13.78 in D 11.03 in
Tomato Ceramic Serving Platter, by Michele De Lucchi from Memphis Milano
By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
Tomato Serving platter was originally designed in 1985 by Michele De Lucchi in ceramic, for Memphis Milano. Here we are offering this item by Memphis Group themselves. Michele De L...
Ceramic
$737Sale Price|40% Off
H 2.37 in Dm 12.6 in
Mid-Century Decorative Platter by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative platter (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A milky-white glaze graces both the exterior and the hollow centre. The interior has small tracts of green and earthy cl...
Ceramic
Sold
H 3 in W 40 in D 4 in
Silver Metallic Color Extra Long And Thin Glass Platter, Brazil, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Brazilian extra long " canoe shaped" glass platter. Silver mettalic interior, dark grey exterior in color. Decorative pinched ends.
Glass
Brazilian Modern Jacaranda Divided Catch All Tray
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
Finely crafted Brazilian Modern Jacaranda divided catch lal tray. 1960s
Jacaranda
Sold
H 1.78 in W 20.67 in D 13 in
EXQUiSITE RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZILIAN HARDWOOD BUTTERFLY WING BUTLERS SERVING TRAY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite very well made Brazilian Rosewood butlers tray with pressed butterfly wings retailed in Rio D...
Hardwood
Sold
H 5 in W 8.5 in D 11.5 in
19thc Brazilian Rio Art Nouveau Signed Butterfly Wing Art- Serving Tray - Signed
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc Brailian "Rio" Hand Crafted Butterfly Wing Art Serving Platter. This piece is signed by the maker.
Wood
Decorative Tray in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian mid century modern decorative tray was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and made in Brazil in the sixties. Handcrafted from hard rosewood (also known as jacaranda), the tray is in the shape of a leaf and has clean lines with elegant curves. The rosewood has a deep, dark, rich tone with stunning natural wood grain. Also, the wood has been refinished and the manufacturing seal is at the bottom of the tray. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied at the Architecture and Fine arts Schools at the National University. After immigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956, he founded his first company, Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, in 1961. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels, homes, and stores throughout Brazil. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Wood
Brazilian Modern Platter with Forks in Brazilian Hardwood, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian modern set of 6 wooden forks and platter from the 1960s is made with Brazilian rosewood, also known as jacaranda. The wood has a deep, dark...
Wood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Hardwood
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian mid century modern serving platter is absolutely stunning. This platter is handcrafted with Brazilian ros...
Wood, Hardwood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian mid-century modern serving platter is absolutely stunning. This platter is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and features...
Wood
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Brazilian Rosewood
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian modern serving platter is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda), and has a deep, dark, and rich tone with a stunning natural grain. The wood ha...
Wood
1960s Brazilian Modern Cleaning Set in Rosewood and Iron, by Hercules Inox
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian mid-century modern cleaning set by Hercules Inox is absolutely stunning! Made in the 1960’s, this cleaning set comes with...
Iron
Sold
H 2 in W 23.75 in D 23.75 in
Brazilian Midcentury Jacarandá Rosewood and Brass Serving Tray, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood serving tray with brass handles and brass side stoppers from the 1960s. Although the designer is unknown, it resembles designs from the likes of Sergio R...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Mid-Century Modern serving platter is absolutely stunning. This platter is handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda) and features ...
Wood