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.
Tanagers, Honeycreepers and Berries, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and honeycreepers print after Descourtilz, Estampa 36 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed ...
Paper
Blackbirds and Marsh Birds, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Blackbirds and marsh birds print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 47 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's painting...
Paper
Manakins and Tanagers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Manakins and tanagers print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 41 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's paintings of ...
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
Cardinals and Finches, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Cardinals and finches print after Descourtilz, Estampa 43 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodore Descou...
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
$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
Hyacinth Macaw, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Hyacinth macaw print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 8, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore Descourtilz. ...
Paper
Trogons and Jays, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Trogons and jays print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 17 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's paintings of Brazi...
Paper
Cotingas and Tanagers on a Cecropia, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Cotingas and tanagers print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 27 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Thr...
Paper
Scarlet Macaw with Parakeets, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Scarlet macaw with parakeets print after Descourtilz, Estampa 7 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodore ...
Paper
Quetzal and Trogon, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Quetzal and trogon print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 16, printed in colour by offset. Tw...
Paper
Blue-and-Yellow Macaw and Green Parrot, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Blue-and-yellow macaw and green parrot print after Descourtilz, Estampa 6 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird painting...
Paper
Long-Tailed Cuckoos, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Long-tailed cuckoos print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 15 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Three...
Paper
Swallow-Tailed Cotinga and Fruitcrow, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Swallow-tailed cotinga and fruitcrow print after Descourtilz, Estampa 25 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-...
Paper
Striped Owl, Barn Owl and Pygmy Owl, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Striped owl, barn owl and pygmy owl print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 5 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's ...
Paper
Thrushes, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Thrushes print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 26, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore Descourtilz. Two ...
Paper
Purple-Throated and Other Cotingas, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Purple-throated and swallow-tailed cotingas print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 28, printed...
Paper
Jacamars and Motmots, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Jacamars and motmots print after Descourtilz, Estampa 18 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed in col...
Paper
Tanagers and Cotingas, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and cotingas print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 29 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's paintings of ...
Paper
Woodpeckers at a Tree Stump, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Woodpeckers print after Descourtilz, Estampa 19 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's ow...
Paper
Amazon Parrots, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Amazon parrots print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 9 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Three parro...
Paper
Tanagers on a Banana Plant, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers print after Descourtilz, Estampa 30 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed in colour by offse...
Paper
Conures and Parakeets, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Conures and parakeets print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 10, printed in colour by offset. ...
Paper
King Vulture and Black Vulture, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
King vulture and black vulture print after Descourtilz, Estampa 1 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodor...
Paper
Large Woodpeckers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Large woodpeckers print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 20, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore Descourti...
Paper
Red Tanagers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Red tanagers print after Descourtilz, Estampa 31 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's o...
Paper
Parrotlets and Small Parrots, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Parrotlets and small parrots print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 11 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's painti...
Paper
Orioles and Caciques, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Orioles and caciques print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 45 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Thre...
Paper
Curl-Crested, Chestnut-Eared Aracaris, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Curl-crested and chestnut-eared aracaris print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 14, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by ...
Paper
Tanagers and Warblers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and warblers print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 34, printed in colour by offset. ...
Paper
Falcons and Kestrels, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Falcons and kestrels print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 4, printed in colour by offset. T...
Paper
Racket-Tailed Motmots and Kingfishers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Racket-tailed motmots and kingfishers print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 23 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz...
Paper
Toucans and Aracaris, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Toucans and aracaris print after Descourtilz, Estampa 13 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théodore Descour...
Paper
Tanagers and Euphonias on a Papaya, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and euphonias print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 33 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. A ...
Paper
Motmots and Puffbirds, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Motmots and puffbirds print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 22, printed in colour by offset. ...
Paper
Toucans, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Toucans print after Descourtilz, Estampa 12 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed in colour by offset...
Paper
Tanagers and Honeycreepers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and honeycreepers print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 32, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore ...
Paper
Harpy Eagle, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Harpy eagle print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 2, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore Descourtilz. A ...
Paper
Cuckoos and Anis, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Cuckoos and anis print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 21 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Three bi...
Paper
Hummingbirds, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Hummingbirds print after Descourtilz, Estampa 24 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed in colour by o...
Paper
Tanagers and Woodcreepers, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers and woodcreepers print after Descourtilz, dated 1944 and issued as Estampa 35 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, a colour offset print from Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's paintings...
Paper
Orioles and Tanagers on a Guava, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Orioles and tanagers print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 46, printed in colour by offset. ...
Paper
Tanagers on a Fruiting Branch, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Tanagers on a fruiting branch, a print after Descourtilz: Estampa 37 of the Ornitologia Brasileira, published in Rio de Janeiro in 1944 and printed in colour by offset from Jean-Théo...
Paper
Jays, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Jays print after Descourtilz, Estampa 48 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed in colour by offset. ...
Paper
Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Guianan cock-of-the-rock print after Descourtilz from the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira: Estampa 38, a colour offset print of Brazilian birds reproducing a painting by Jean-Théodore De...
Paper
Manakins, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Manakins print after Descourtilz, 1944: this is Estampa 39 from the Ornitologia Brasileira, the Kosmos edition of the French painter's paintings of Brazilian birds. Three small bird...
Paper
Warblers and Honeycreepers on Acacia, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Warblers and honeycreepers print after Descourtilz, Estampa 42 in the 1944 Ornitologia Brasileira, a limited Brazilian edition of Jean-Théodore Descourtilz's bird paintings, printed ...
Paper
Cotingas and Long-Tailed Manakins, Brazilian Bird Print, Descourtilz, 1944
Located in Langweer, NL
Cotingas and long-tailed manakins print after Descourtilz, taken from the 1944 Rio de Janeiro edition of the Ornitologia Brasileira, where it appears as Estampa 40, printed in colour...
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
$221Sale 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
$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 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 2/9. Dated 1997. Visible dimensions: 25 x 20 cm. Total d...
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
$1,430Sale 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 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
$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 "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