Jean Gillon Furniture
Although he was Romanian by birth, architect and designer Jean Gillon’s heart and soul belonged to his adopted country of Brazil. The country’s culture and revered architecture served as a muse for his mid-century furniture designs. Today Gillon ranks among the most interesting figures in Brazilian modernism, which is characterized by sensual forms and beautifully handcrafted chairs, tables and cabinets built from exotic hardwoods.
Gillon was born in Iasi and graduated from the city’s George Enescu National University of the Arts. He then moved to Paris, where he studied tapestry, worked at the newspaper Le Monde as a cartoonist and moonlighted as a set designer for the Paris Opera Ballet. He eventually left Paris for Vienna, where he studied architecture at the School of Industrial Arts, known today as the University of Applied Arts. In the early 1950s, Gillon was a visiting lecturer at London’s Central School of Arts and Crafts.
In 1956, Gillon moved with his wife and two daughters to São Paulo, where he developed a passion for Brazilian architecture, namely the work of modernists such as celebrated architect Lina Bo Bardi and designer José Zanine Caldas. Gillon took on interior decorating projects and formed the Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, which later became Italma Wood Art, in order to design furniture for his clients. Gillon’s furnishings, produced at Italma and also in collaboration with manufacturers such as Probel, were immensely popular and could be found in the planned capital city of Brasilia, a project launched in 1956 by Oscar Niemeyer.
Gillon designed everything from bowls and baskets to centerpieces, tables and other objects and furniture. However, he was best known for his lounge chairs and sofas, including his iconic Jangada chair. Named for the Portuguese word for traditional Brazilian fishing boats, the award-winning Jangada was framed in jacaranda in the late 1960s. The welcoming seat of Gillon’s visually striking trapezoidal lounge chair features plush leather cushions that are supported by nylon fishing rope.
Gillon continued to produce furniture for Italma Wood Art until he retired in 2003. He died in 2007, and today Gillon’s pieces remain highly covetable among interior designers and collectors of modern furniture.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Jean Gillon seating, decorative objects and serveware.
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Creator: Jean Gillon
1960s Jangada Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
A profoundly authentic expression of Brazilian modernism, this 1960s Jangada lounge chair and ottoman by Jean Gillon embodies the relaxed sophistication and material honesty that def...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
$18,500 / item
Jean Gillon Jangada MCM Brazilian Rosewood Leather Lounge Chairs Ottomans - Pair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon Jangada Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chairs with Ottomans - Pair
The chair measures: 40 wide x 41 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 inche...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon Brazilian Rosewood and Chrome Executive Desk
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in New Windsor, NY
Large and roomy Brazilian Jacaranda executive desk. Chrome legs and drawer hardware. The four drawers are flush right of the user. High and wide enough from the desk top for loads o...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Chrome, Nickel
$5,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 2
Amazonas
Lounge Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-rare set of two "Amazonas" lounge chairs designed by the incomparable Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art. This now iconic chair is the epitome of Brazilian or Tropi...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Restored Expansive Desk in Jacaranda, Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art, Brazil, 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
This sophisticated Mid-Century Modern executive desk, designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma in Brazil during the late 1960s, exemplifies luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair Jean Gillon for Probel rosewood and leather lounge chairs and ottomans. The rosewood frames are in great condition with minor wear. The original beige leather is in good co...
Category
1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
$6,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Jean Gillon. Set of 4 square trays, c. 1960
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in PARIS, FR
Suite of four square trays designed by Jean Gillon, dating from about 1960. Each top is characterized by dimensions of 2 x 16 x 16 centimeters, offering a compact scale and a geometr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon plate
By Jean Gillon
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Centre de table par Jean Gillon
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Imbuia
$3,420
1960s Jean Gillon Tobacco Jar for Italma Wood Art Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in London, GB
Cigar humidor or tobacco jar from the 1960s.
This iconic piece from the Italma Wood Art collection was created by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. Very well crafted from the finest st...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jean Gillon mid century desk chair
The chair measures: 23 wide x 26.25 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 22.25 inches and arm he...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Brazilian Jacaranda Wood Tray Designed by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
By Jean Gillon
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this Brazilian Jacaranda wood tray designed by Jean Gillon, circa 1960. Excellent vintage condition, very minor scratches on underside consistent with age and use. Includes ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Extremely Rare 1960s “Saci” Sofa by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in Solid Jacaranda
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
A standout of Brazilian mid-century design, this 1960s “Saci” sofa by Jean Gillon for WoodArt is an exceptionally rare find—the only known example currently available for sale worldw...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray model 304, c. 1960. Wood Art
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon
Rectangular Tray, Model 304, c. 1960
Label: Wood Art 1/304
Hardwood
2 x 35 x 12 cm
79/100 x 13 39/50 x 4 18/25 in
This rare rectangular tray, model 304, was designed by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Wood Art
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Introducing a remarkable piece from the Jean Gillon's Wood Art collection: discover this elegant wood bowl, expertly fashioned from a single piece of Rosewood with meticulous attenti...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Jean Gillon. Bowl with three cavities, model 407, c. 1960 Solid wood
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in PARIS, FR
This exceptional bowl designed by Jean Gillon, identifiable under the 407 model, dates from the 1960s. Made of solid wood, this object embodies the elegance and functionality charact...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Pair of
Jangada
Lounge Chairs
Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960s
By wood art, Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Deland, FL
About: Attention collectors: Introducing an incredibly rare set of two restored "Jangada" chairs with matching ottoman. Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boat...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rope, Jacaranda
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon. Plateau modele 109, c. 1960. Wood Art.
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Gillon
Model 109. circa 1960
Wearing the Wood Art label
Material: Solid wood
Dimensions: 35 x 14.5 x 4 cm
This exceptional tray, created by Jean Gillon around 1960, is distingu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon. Large Spoon to serve, model 818, c. 1960
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon, Bol en bois massif, c. 1960
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in PARIS, FR
Bowl with handle designed by Jean Gillon and produced by Italma/WoodArt, dating from the 1960s. Made from solid wood, this bowl has dimensions of 16 x 3 x 10 cm, giving it a compact ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon. Triangular spoon with details, c. 1960
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon. Rectangular tray, model 321, c. 1960
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in PARIS, FR
This rectangular top in solid wood, measuring 29 x 16.5 cm, was created by Jean Gillon. The tray bears the WoodArt label with the mention "1/321". The choice of solid wood emphasises...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Jean Gillon Pair of Probel Side Tables
By Jean Gillon
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful pair of side tables by Brazilian master Jean Gillon, designed for Probel.
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Wood
$4,520 Sale Price / set
52% Off
Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Pipe Holder in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian modern pipe holder, designed by WoodArt, is gorgeous. Handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood (also known as jacaranda), this large pipe holder has beautiful patterns and textures. It has a deep, dark, and rich tone with a stunning natural wood grain. In addition, the manufacturing seal is at the bottom of the pipe holder. This piece would be a perfect addition to an office or any living space as a decorative object!
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Wood
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle five of your prized pipes. Fashioned from exquisite rosewood, this piece ep...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
1960s Amazonian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle three of your prized pipes. Fashioned from rare Amazonian rosewood, this pi...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
1960s Brazilian Rosewood Pipe Holder Sculpture by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Victoria, BC
Step into the realm of refined indulgence with the Jean Gillon pipe holder, meticulously crafted to cradle three of your prized pipes. Fashioned from exquisite rosewood, this piece e...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.
Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Leather
Price Upon Request
Rare pair of Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.
Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Leather
Price Upon Request
Rare Brazilian Sofa
Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Kensington, MD
Mid Century Modern as only the Brazilian designers do it!
Rosewood frame with plush tufted leather cushions.
Set includes a sofa and two lounge chairs.
*Due to time, labor costs, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Price Upon Request
Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
With its slung arms, reclined seat, and plush, leather upholstery, this chair, created by Jean Gillon in the 1960s, possesses a quintessential Brazilian...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture
Materials
Brass
Price Upon Request
Jean Gillon furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Jean Gillon furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jean Gillon furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jean Gillon were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Carlo Hauner, Móveis Cimo, and Geraldo de Barros. Prices for Jean Gillon furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $230 and can go as high as $51,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.