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
$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
$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
$8,527 / 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
$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 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
$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
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
Brazilian Mid-Century Rustic Rosewood Serving Tray, 1970s
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Rustic serving tray carved from a single piece of Brazilian rosewood.
Rosewood
Sculptural Jacarandá Rosewood Platter, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in Brazil from a single block of solid jacarandá—Brazilian rosewood—this sculptural platter embodies the Brazilian mid-century modern commitment to organic form, exceptio...
Rosewood
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
$140Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
Brazilian Mid-Century Set of 6 Inlaid Hardwood Plates by Jean Dobré for Tropic-A
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Set of six plates crafted from inlaid fine hardwoods. As wood is a natural material, slight variations in tone occur between the pieces. The underside bears the manufacturer's mark. ...
Hardwood
$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
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
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
Brazilian Modern Solid Rosewood Leaf Serving Tray, Brazil, c. 1960
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully sculpted solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá) serving tray, handcrafted in Brazil circa 1960. Carved from a single block of richly figured rosewood, the tray takes the ...
Rosewood
Triangular Spoon by Jean Gillon, Solid Wood, Geometric Design, 1960s
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
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
Brazilian Modern Model 731 Serving Tray in Rosewood by Jean Gillon for WoodArt
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
A large Model 731 serving tray designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Brazil, circa 1960s. Crafted in richly figured Brazilian rosewood, the tray displays deep reddish-brown tones an...
Rosewood
$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
$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
$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
$727 / 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
$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
"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
$8,743 / 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