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.
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 9/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 8/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 6/9. Dated 1997. Measures: Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm...
Paper
$950 / set
Pair of Marino Marini Lithographs
By Marino Marini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of horse and rider lithographs by Marino Marini, from the Marino Marini portfolio, printed by Carl Schunemann, Germany, circa 1968. They have been framed in clean lined black la...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 4/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 1/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
$232Sale Price|22% Off
Antique Map of the Brazilian Coast by A. Van Krevelt
Located in Langweer, NL
Uncommon edition of this accurate map of part of Brazil, from San Salvador till Rio de Janeiro and S.Paulo. In lower right engraved "29b." Originates from 'Atlas Portatif pour servir...
Paper
Oscar Niemeyer, Memorial Coluna Prestes I, Présentation Du Projet, c. 1991
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in PARIS, FR
Présentation en reproduction hydrographique sur papier, de la colonne commémorative Prestes construit à Palmas, capitale de l'État de Tocantins, circa 1991. Cette reproduction hydrographique sur papier d'Oscar Niemeyer pour le Mémorial Carlos Prestes dans la Praça dos Girassóis à Palmas, TO, est une œuvre d'art qui met en valeur le talent créatif de l'architecte brésilien Oscar Niemeyer. Mesurant 46 x 70 cm et créée en 1991, cette reproduction hydrographique sur papier présentent avec précision les caractéristiques distinctives de l'œuvre architecturale de Niemeyer. Les lignes courbes et les formes organiques, typiques de son style caractéristique, sont minutieusement recréées sur le papier, capturant ainsi l'esthétique unique des mémoriaux dédiés à Carlos Prestes. Le Mémorial Carlos Prestes, situé à la Praça dos Girassóis, est un monument d'importance historique et politique. Il rend hommage à Carlos Prestes, un révolutionnaire brésilien engagé dans la lutte pour les droits et la justice sociale. La reproduction hydrographique sur papier offrent une perspective unique sur ces sculptures monumentales, permettant aux spectateurs d'admirer les détails architecturaux et de s'immerger dans l'histoire qu'elles symbolisent. Provenance: Collection Luiz Carlos Prestes Filho qui a travaillé avec l'architecte Oscar Niemeyer à l'élaboration des programmes et à l'exécution des travaux du Memorial Coluna Prestes Tocantins/Palmas (2002) ; et à l'exécution des monuments Coluna Prestes de Santo...
Paper
Candido Portinari, Original Drypoint 1940's - Three Mulatto Women
Located in Encino, CA
Candido PORTINARI (1903-1962), Original Drypoint 1940's - Three Mulatto Women Signed and dedicated to Francis Brennan (1910-1992). Numbered 15/18. Illustrated in the Catalogue rais...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 7/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 2/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total d...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Estilhaços" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Estilhaços Vítreos Indicando Impacto" (Glassy Shards Indicating Impact) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Braz...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography from the "Archeology of Future Ruins" series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measureme...
Paper
Vintage Map of Europe Italian Framed Print in Freijo Wood with Brass Rosettes
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Map of Europe Italian Framed Print in Freijo Wood with Brass Rosettes Offered for sale is a vintage map of Europe beautifully framed under glass in Brazilian freijo wood ado...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 4" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 4" (Rails 4) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements: 12 x 12 in Feli...
Paper
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Maracatu" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Maracatu" by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements: 15 x 11 in Felipe Varanda ...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Camadas a Serem Prospectadas" by Felipe Varanda
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Camadas a Serem Prospectadas" (Layers to be Prospected) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photograph...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary untitled Photography from the "Amarrações" (Mooring) Collection by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Me...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Adorno Vítreo" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Adorno Vítreo" (Glassy Adornment) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. ...
Paper
Selma Daffre, Listed Brazilian Artist, Collograph on Paper, "Linhas"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Selma Daffre (b. 1951), listed Brazilian artist. Collograph on paper. "Linhas". Numbered 5/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total di...
Paper
$2,250Sale Price / set|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Espécimes Vegetais" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Espécimes Vegetais" (Vegetable Specimens) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measurements: 23 x 23 in (each) Felipe Varanda is a photographer since 1998 when he started his career as a photojournalist at Jornal do Brasil and Folha de São Paulo (Brazilian printed...
Paper
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 2" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 2" (Rails 2) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measurements: 12 x 12 in Felipe Varanda is a photographer since 1998 when he started his career as a photojournalist at Jornal do Brasil and Folha de São Paulo (Brazilian printed...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Vestígios de Fogo" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Vestígios de Fogo" (Traces of Fire) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. ...
Paper
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 3" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 3" (Rails 3) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements: 12 x 12 in Felipe Varanda is a photographer since 1998 when he started his career as a photojournalist at Jornal do Brasil and Folha de São Paulo (Brazilian printed...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Portão 1" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Portão 1" (Gate 1) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measurements: 23 x 23 in Felipe...
Paper
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Portão 2" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Portão 2" (Gate 2) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measurements: 23 x 23 in Felipe...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography from the "Amarração" (Mooring) collection by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 1" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Trilhos 1" (Rails 1) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements: 12 x 12 in Feli...
Paper
Contemporary Photography by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival Ink on Hahne...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Caverna" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Caverna" (Cave) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Arch...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Infiltração" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Infiltração" (Infiltration) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Editio...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Presença" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Presença" (Presence) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 ...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Camadas" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Camadas" (Layers) from "Archeology of Future Ruins" collection by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle Photo R...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Universo" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Universo" (Universe) from "Archeology of Future Ruins" Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Ra...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Olhos" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Olhos" (Eyes) from "Archeology of Future Ruins" series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper...
Paper
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Toque 1" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Toque 1" (Touch 1) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 3/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag paper Measurements: 29 x 31 in Felipe...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Museu" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Museu" (Museum) from "Archeology of Future Ruins" Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 1/8 Archival ink on Hahnemühle photo rag pap...
Paper
Contemporary Triptych Photography by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Triptych Photography from the "Amarração" (Mooring) Collection by Brazilian photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival ink o...
Paper
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Toque 2" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary photography "Toque 2" (Touch 2) by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archival Ink on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Paper Measurements: 29 x 31 in Felipe Varan...
Paper
Contemporary Photography "Casulo" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Casulo" (Cocoon) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Varanda. Edition: 2/8 Archiv...
Paper
$1,430Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Photography "Habitat e Inscrições" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Ed.
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Habitat e Inscrições" (Habitat and Inscriptions) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Feli...
Paper
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Vestígios" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Vestígios de Adoração" (Traces of Worship) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe Var...
Paper
$2,250Sale Price|25% Off
Contemporary Photography "Inscrição Zoomorfa" by Felipe Varanda, Limited Edition
By Felipe Varanda
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Contemporary Photography "Inscrição Zoomorfa" (Zoomorphic Inscription) from the "Arqueologia de Futuras Ruínas" (Archeology of Future Ruins) Series by Brazilian Photographer Felipe V...
Paper