Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Brazilian Wood Three-Seater Sofa by Rino Levi, Brazil 1950s

$11,000
£8,314.64
€9,555
CA$15,317.43
A$17,040.02
CHF 8,932.59
MX$208,224.83
NOK 113,745.39
SEK 107,075.55
DKK 71,324.42
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Rino Levi was one of the pioneers of the modern movement in Brazil, advocating for simple, practical and economical design, disparaging the imitation of classicism. ‘Classical spirit’ rather than classical forms was his ideal. Levi was instrumental in spreading the fame of Brazilian modernism through his furniture designs as well. As this beautiful Brazilian wood sofa shows, by the 1960s, Levi abandoned Italian rationalism in favour of an approach closer to that of the Rio modernists both in his architectural and furniture designs. As a piece of true Brazilian mid-century design, the beauty of the wood and organic shapes and lines dominate this three-seater sofa. The tilted, architectural lines of wood making up the armrests create a visually distinct and exciting appearance. The additional horizontal lines connecting to the backrest are a creative addition, while also supporting the overall stability. The frame with its joinery praises Rino Levi’s craftsmanship and architectural expertise. The beautiful colour of the wood is highlighted by the light upholstery of the body in a premium bouclé fabric, including the three removable cushions. This sofa model is rare to find, for as during Brazil's military dictatorship, it was against the law to export furniture. The ban on exports only ended in the 1980s, but it still took some time for things to change, not to mention that handmade pieces were created in limited editions. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this sofa is special, and a real rarity. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 86.41 in W x 28.74 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.14 in 219.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 41 cm About the Designer: Rino Levi was a Brazilian architect important to the development of modernism in Brazil. Levi was born to Italian Jewish parents on December 31, 1901 in São Paulo, Brazil. After graduating from Colégio Dante Alighieri in São Paulo, Levi studied in Milan and Rome under Marcello Piacentini. In 1924, he moved to the School of Architecture of Rome. There, he met Adalberto Libera (1903 - 1963) and Marcello Piacentini (1881 - 1960) in whose office he did practice. In 1925, he published in O Estado de S. Paulo. He returned to Brazil in 1926 and worked for a year in the Santos Construction Company. Following his return to São Paulo, Levi established the firm Rino Levi Arquitetos Associados. Levi was known for an architectural practice particularly dissociated from the construction process for his era. In the early 1930s, Levi designed a number of modernist houses in São Paulo for Italian clients. Towards the end of the decade, Levi's practice shifted to the design on theaters including the Cine Ufa Palace and Teatro Cultura Artistic. His first major work was the Columbus Building at Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio (first apartement complex in the metropolis, demolished in 1971 ), the Cine Ufa Palace in St. John Avenue, the Medici residence in Santo Amaro and Sarti Building in Republic Square. These rationalist buildings have simple volumes, with evident structure. The project Cine Ufa Palace (1936) was a role model for other cinemas projects: Cine Universe (1936), Cine Art-Palace Recife (1937), the Cine Ipiranga (1943) and the Theatre Culture Arts (1942). Rino Levi participated in the formation and construction of the Institute of Architects of Brazil and was an active member until his death. He is remembered today as a key figure in introducing modernism to Brazil. ~H. Shipping: This sofa will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the item in the gallery condition. Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.
  • Creator:
    Rino Levi (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 86.42 in (219.5 cm)Depth: 28.75 in (73 cm)Seat Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 201903001stDibs: LU2947329583432

More From This Seller

View All
European Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Sofa with Bouclé Cushions, Europe circa 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Inspired by the cultural examples of the European country manor and rustic styles, European cabinetmakers’ furniture were endowed with a creative simplicity, with a feeling for the w...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Fabric

Eva and Nils Koppel Three-Seater Sofa "Koppel", Denmark, 1950s
By Eva & Niles Koppell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This three-seater sofa has the best characteristics of Danish mid-century modern design. Its comfort and delicate design elements make this three-seater the most coveted work of Eva and Nils Koppel...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa with Wooden Cross Legs, Europe, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Generally speaking, Mid-Century Modern furniture is characterized by clean lines, an open design and classic shapes. This streamlined three-seater sofa not only possesses all these v...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
With a long tradition of craftsmanship, there has always been a heightened appreciation of design throughout Scandinavia. Scandinavian design emerged as a prominent contributor to Eu...
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Danish Mid-Century Sofa by Schiller Polstermøbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Though the advent of new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionized the production process, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialization. This sc...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Sofa with Structural Legs, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Scandinavian style has a long, well-established history, traditionally marked by simplicity, bright whites, natural wood tones, minimal folk style ornamentation, and colour washed fu...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

You May Also Like

Modernist Sofa in Hardwood, by Rino Levi, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Rino Levi
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite mid-century sofa is a masterful creation by the renowned Brazilian architect and designer Rino Levi, a pivotal figure in the development of modernist architecture in B...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Boucle, Rino Levi , 1960s, Brazil
By Rino Levi
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this stunning sofa embodies the essence of Brazilian mid-century design, showcasing captivating beauty through exquisite wood craftsmanship and organic shapes. The a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Hardwood

1950s Sofa, Rino Levi, Brazilian Midcentury
By Rino Levi
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Rino Levi is one of the major architects of the Brazilian modernism, the creator of several iconic buildings in the city of São Paulo. This sofa is made in jacarandá rosewood and w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood

Sofa 'MP-41' in Hardwood, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The MP-41 sofa, a quintessential piece by the renowned designer Percival Lafer, is a masterstroke of Brazilian mid-century design. Lafer, widely celebrated for his innovative and dis...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sofa in wood and fabric, by Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The sofa designed by H. Schnicker for Móveis Artísticos Z is a masterful representation of Brazilian mid-century modern design, seamlessly blending contemporary sensibilities with th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Imbuia wood Sofa, Brazilian Design by Móveis Cimo, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Moveis Cimo
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by the Brazilian company Móveis Cimo, this sofa structure is entirely made of solid imbuia, including the wooden partitions on both the armrests and backrest, s...
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass