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.
Modernist Porcelain W/Gilt Accents Tea/Coffee Service for 8 by Tania Bulhões
Located in New York, NY
This modernist tea/coffee service for eight, designed by Tania Bulhões and crafted in Brazil during the 20th century, exemplifies refined sophistication and masterful design. The set...
Porcelain
$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
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
Brazilian Modern Serving Tray with Shape of Leaf in Hardwood, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Brazil from solid jacarandá (Brazilian rosewood), this platter reflects the mid-century emphasis on organic form and material expression. Its silhouette is defined by ...
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
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
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bowl in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
This mid-century modern decorative spoon is handcrafted with Brazilian hardwood (also known as jacaranda) and features clean lines with elegant curves. The wood has a deep, dark, and...
Hardwood
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
$2,100 / item
Rare Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Rare Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Wooden Tray - Collector's Piece An extraordinary Brazilian mid-century modern tray, showcasing expert craftsmanship and an intricate striped wood in...
Wood
$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...
Wood
$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
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
$214Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Chalice with Greek Lettering Dimensions: 6 inches tall, 5.75 inches wide Material: Premium Brazilian pewter, known for its durability and timeless beaut...
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
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
Jean Dobré/ Tropicart. Rotating wooden platter, c. 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Dobré/ Tropicart. Rotating wooden platter c. 1960 Signed at the fire Solid wood 10 x 46 x 46 cm
Hardwood
Decorative Spoon in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, c. 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
This decorative spoon is entirely made in Brazilian Rosewood, known as Jacaranda. The wood has been refinished and is in excellent condition. Additional information: Materials and T...
Jacaranda, Hardwood
$278Sale Price|20% Off
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish 'Tigela de Gominhos' The John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish is a stunning example of fine craftsm...
Pewter
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Charcuterie Platter in Rosewood, Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to a Brazilian workshop, circa 1960s, this rosewood (jacarandá) serving platter reflects the restrained material focus that defined much of Brazil’s export-era design. Dur...
Hardwood
Jean Gillon Large Serving Spoon for Italma Wood Art, 1960s
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Spoon designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma/WoodArt, dating from the 1960s. Made of solid wood, this spoon is distinguished by its original geometric shape and carefully wor...
Hardwood
Design Brésilien, Plateau Avec Carrelage, C. 1960
Located in PARIS, FR
Le plateau en bois et carrelage brésilien des années 1960 est une pièce unique qui allie à la fois la robustesse et la beauté de deux matériaux naturels. Le bois utilisé pour le plateau est un bois brésilien, avec une texture fine et une couleur chaude et naturelle qui rappelle les forêts brésiliennes. Le carrelage brésilien utilisé pour la partie centrale du plateau est quant à lui orné d'un motif géométrique abstrait aux couleurs vives et contrastées, témoignant de l'art populaire brésilien. Le plateau en lui-même est de forme rectangulaire avec des coins arrondis, ce qui lui confère une élégance subtile. Les bords du plateau en bois sont finement travaillés, avec une légère courbe qui ajoute une touche de finesse à l'ensemble. Lorsqu'on observe le plateau de plus près, on peut apprécier le soin apporté aux détails. Les joints entre le bois et le carrelage sont parfaitement ajustés, créant une transition harmonieuse entre les deux matériaux. La surface du carrelage est lisse et uniforme, avec une finition brillante qui reflète la lumière d'une manière captivante. En somme, le plateau en bois et carrelage brésilien des années 1960 est une pièce d'artisanat exceptionnelle qui incarne parfaitement la beauté et l'authenticité des matériaux naturels brésiliens, ainsi que le talent et la créativité de l'atelier qui l'a créé. Les dimensions du plateau en bois et carrelage brésilien de l'atelier Casas Finland...
Ceramic, Wood
$684 / item
Tray in Polished Bronze by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Tray in polished bronze by FAKASAKA Design Dimensions: W 19 x D 9 x H 2.5 cm Materials: polished bronze.
Bronze
$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...
Wood
$7,581 / item
Mariae Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 63 cm D 37 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production of high-end furniture, lig...
Bronze
$7,581 / item
Mariae Bar Tray by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Mariae bar tray by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 63 cm D 37 cm H 7 cm. Materials: polished bronze. FAKASAKA is a design company focused on production o...
Bronze
$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...
Wood
Triangular Spoon by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Geometric Design, 1960s
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in PARIS, FR
Triangular spoon designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma/WoodArt, dating from the 1960s. Made of solid wood, this spoon is distinguished by its original geometric shape and ca...
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
$7,287 / 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
Tête-à-tête tea service Wedgwood
By Wedgwood
Located in Delft, NL
Tête-à-tête tea service by Wedgwood A Black on yellow cane Jasperware wedgwood stoneware with black lines and scene of Putti A serving tea set with a serving plate, 2 plates, a tea...
Stoneware
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
By Wiggers, Silva
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Glass, Teak
Raymor 1950s Black Wire Serving Stand and Bowl
By Raymor
Located in New York, NY
Raymor two-tiered black wire serving stand with handle, with matching circular pedestal bowl. Bowl measures 6 inches height x 14 inches diameter.
Metal
German Rosenthal Porcelain Tea Pot Model Barocco by Versace
By Rosenthal, Versace
Located in Vilnius, LT
German Rosenthal porcelain tea pot. Model: Versace Barocco. Stamped on the bottom.
Porcelain
$510Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.78 in W 5.32 in D 3.94 in
Tettau Porcelain Tea Service, 35-Piece Set, Gilded, Germany, 1930s
Located in Opole, PL
Presented tea service is made of white china. It is ornamented with a sky-blue stripe of a painted, gilded pattern. The whole is signed with the Koniglich Porzellanfabrik Tettau Bav...
Porcelain
$600Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 25.5 in D 17 in
American Modern Handcrafted Wood Marquetry Serving Tray, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Postmodern handcrafted American wood marquetry serving tray with chrome accent bars circa 1980s.
Chrome
$160
H 0.75 in W 18.88 in D 14.25 in
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.
Wood
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 19 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 7.5 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection by...
Marble
$220
H 0.75 in W 21.38 in D 15.75 in
Stunning Italian Florentine Gilded Gilt Wood Serving Tray Toleware Tole, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, 1960s Italian giltwood serving tray. Minor patina and paint lost gives this piece a classy statement. A nice addition to any table or room.
Wood
Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12 People
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful German Meissen dinnerware service for twelve people with serving pieces. The dinnerware service is in great condition. Just exquisite & ve...
Gold
$208Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in W 8 in D 5 in
Alessi Stainless Steel Coffee Pot, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Alessi
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a stainless steel coffee pot tea kettle, circa the 1960s. Style of Kalmar. Mid-century modern silver with brown ton...
Stainless Steel
John Somers Pewter Footed Tray, 11.5 Inches Square
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Elegant Footed Pewter Tray – Brazilian Craftsmanship This beautifully crafted footed square pewter tray is a testament to the artistry of John Somers, one of the most re...
Pewter
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Serving Tray
By John Somers
Located in Raleigh, US
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Tray This exquisite tray is a stunning example of John Somers’ craftsmanship, created from world-renowned Brazilian pewter. Known for his exceptional att...
Pewter
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli presents his new collection. This newly curated ensemble showcases a distinctive blend of materials and textures, including bronze and gr...
Bronze
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli presents his new collection. This newly curated ensemble showcases a distinctive blend of materials and textures, including bronze and gr...
Mahogany
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli presents his new collection. This newly curated ensemble showcases a distinctive blend of materials and textures, including bronze and gr...
Mahogany
Tray by Rafael Triboli
Located in São Paulo, BR
Rafael Triboli presents his new collection. This newly curated ensemble showcases a distinctive blend of materials and textures, including bronze and gr...
Mahogany
Jac-Arte Jacaranda Rosewood Divided Bowl / Tray. Brazil, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Emil Milan
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jac-Arte Jacaranda Rosewood Divided Bowl / Tray. Brazil, 1960's.
Rosewood
Sold
H 1.97 in W 13.39 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Brazilian Inlaid Tray Morpho Butterfly Wings C 1940'S Home décor
Located in London, GB
A fine vintage marquetry inlaid hard wood tray with dazzling geometric patterns made from the wings of the brilliant iridescent Blue Morpho butterfly...
Wood, Hardwood
Sold
H 1.2 in W 24 in D 8.3 in
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Serving Platter in Rosewood, by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian mid-century modern serving platter designed by Jean Gillon is absolutely incredible. This piece is made with rosewood (also known as Jacaranda hardwood). This large serving platter is in the shape of a leaf, which gives it a super unique design. The unique style makes it a perfect fit for any type of environment! 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. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Wood
Sold
H 2 in W 18.5 in D 5.9 in
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Serving Board in Hardwood, Jean Gillon, 1965, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Midcentury Brazilian Modern Rosewood decorative Serving Tray was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and made in Brazil circa 1960. Handcrafted from hard Rosewood (known as Jacaranda), the serving board features clean lines with elegant curves. The rosewood has a deep, dark, rich tone with stunning natural wood grain. Size: H2, W18.5, D5.9 (in) H5, W47, D15 (in) Attached publications featuring the same piece. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer...
Hardwood
Sold
H 0.75 in W 18.5 in D 5.5 in
Vintage Midcentury Decorative Tray in Rosewood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon, wood art
Located in Detroit, MI
This midcentury Brazilian modern rosewood decorative tray was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt and made in Brazil circa 1960. Impeccably handcrafted from hard Jacaranda rosewood native to Brazil, a signature material of Gillon design, this tray features clean, Minimalist lines with a unique rectangular shape and gentle, elegant curves. The rosewood is a deep, dark, rich tone with stunning natural wood grain. Original label on underside. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919 and emigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels, commercial spaces and residential homes throughout Brazil and was also known for his one-of-a-kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Rosewood
Great Modern Macassar Mirror Tray, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Great Macassar mirror tray. Brazil, 1960s Measures: H 4,5 cm 64 x 45 cm. Conditions: Excellent consistent with age and use.
Mirror, Macassar