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
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
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
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
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
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
Handcrafted Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Leaf Snack Tray from Brazil
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Leaf-shaped serving piece with two compartments, expertly carved from solid Jacarandá-da-bahia (Brazilian rosewood). Handcrafted in Brazil circa 1970, this sculptural piece showcases...
Rosewood
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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Snack Tray in Brazilian Rosewood, c. 1970
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Snack tray carved from Jacaranda da Bahia (Brazilian rosewood), showcasing the rich grain and warm coloration that have made this wood one of the most valued materials in Brazilian d...
Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Charcuterie Platter in Rosewood, Jean Gillon, 1960Ss
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jean Gillon and produced in Brazil during the 1960s, this sculptural charcuterie platter is handcrafted from solid jacarandá rosewood. Its elongated serving surface flows...
Rosewood
Jean Gillon Rectangular Tray Model 321, Mid-Century Modern, 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
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
"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
$225
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
Beautiful Mid-Century Inlaid "Roadrunner" Tray by Couroc California
By The Couroc Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful super cool inlaid "Roadrunner" tray handcrafted by Couroc California, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 13.75"D x .5"H. #3584
Resin, Wood
$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
$1,195
H 3 in W 19.25 in D 28 in
Large Antique English Footed Silver Plated Serving Tray with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large footed silver plated serving tray is marked by an unknown maker, and originates from England and dates to approximately 1920 and done in a Victorian style. This large oval...
Silver Plate
Oval Wooden Tray, France, 1970s
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
An elegant wooden serving tray featuring stunning burl wood veneer; the rich, nuanced grain patterns create a particularly refined decorative effect. Its slightly raised rim ensures ...
Wood
$757Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.97 in W 21.07 in D 8.67 in
French Decorative Ceramic Tray by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative tray (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A chalk-white glaze provides the background for a colourful thistle motif in the centre. The rim has touches of earthy gree...
Ceramic
$1,100Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.12 in Dm 11.82 in
French Vallauris Majolica Ceramic Cheese Serving Tray, 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cool round shaped woven motif ceramic platter for cheese of desserts, France, 1950s. This beautiful platter features a circular base with woven pattern. A handle at the central part ...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery, Bamboo
Handcrafted Turned Japanese Yakisugi Bowl
Located in London, GB
Fine traditionally hand-crafted and turned Ash Yakisugi platter - bowl. These are handmade to the very best quality in London using traditional techniques. Finished in food safe oil...
Ash
Mid-Century Wooden Tray, Brown Wood, Sweden, Modern Design, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Wooden Tray, Sweden, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. Additional information: Materials: Wood Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern Country of Or...
Wood
Vintage Flowers Decorative Porcelain Plate, Germany, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Decorative Flowers plate from Bavaria, Germany. Produced in 1970s. The plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Beautifu...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass
19th Century Mahogany Inlaid Tray
Located in High Point, NC
19th century mahogany tray from England inlaid in a lovely pattern with leaves and acorns.. Around the central lozenge of leaves and acorns, there is a scalloped pattern which border...
Brass
Vintage Deep Blue Decorative Glass Leaf Plate, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful decorative light blue glass plate/bowl from Italy. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Original glass. Unique pie...
Ceramic, Glass
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
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