Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Brazilian, 1927-2014
The prolific architect and designer Sergio Rodrigues is often called the "father of modern Brazilian design," but it is the second adjective in that phrase that deserves emphasis: Rodrigues’s great achievement was to create furniture in a style that captured the spirit, character and personality of his country.
Modernity came slowly to 20th-century Brazil, politically and culturally. The nation finally realized genuine constitutional democracy in 1945, ushering in a new, progressive era in the arts. More often than not, the luxurious furnishings of that time and place, with their gleaming wood, soft leathers and inviting shapes, share a sensuous, uniquely Brazilian quality that distinguishes them from the more rectilinear output of American mid-century modernists and Scandinavian makers of the same era. Until that time in Brazil, heavy furniture based on historical European models had been the norm.
In the late 1940s, designer Joaquim Tenreiro introduced sleek, minimalist chairs and cabinets; José Zanine Caldas, now best known for his later artisanal work, created plywood furnishings for mass production; the Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi, a former editor for the Gio Ponti-founded magazine Domus — and a furniture designer with talent, imagination and a social conscience — set up shop in São Paulo, designing elegant, flexible chairs set on slim metal frames.
This was the heady scene into which Rodrigues, the son of an artistically prominent Rio de Janeiro family, arrived after graduating in 1952 from the national university. He moved to Curitiba and helped establish the furniture manufacturer Móveis Artesanal with Italian designer Carlo Hauner and Austrian architect Martin Eisler — as well as Carlo’s brother Ernesto Hauner — which eventually rebranded as Forma. Later, Rodrigues relocated to Rio de Janeiro where he founded Oca in 1955, a company that would become the preeminent maker and retailer of modernist furniture in Brazil.
When architects Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer were tasked in 1956 with the whirlwind project to plan, design and build the new capital, Brasília, in five years, they used Rodrigues’s early chairs, with their softly-contoured lines and caned seats and backrests, to furnish many of the buildings.
Rodrigues would realize the true expression of his talents in — and garner international awards and acclaim with — his Mole chair of 1957. The word mole means "soft" in Portuguese, but can be interpreted as "easygoing" or even "listless." The chair, which is also known as the Sheriff chair, features a sturdy, generously proportioned frame of the native South American hardwood jacaranda, upholstered with overstuffed leather pads that flap like saddlebags across the arms, seat, and backrest.
Rodrigues's Mole chair invites sprawling — perfect for the social milieu of the bossa nova and caipirinha cocktails; where a languorous afternoon spent chatting and joking is the apex of enjoyment. The seat won first prize at the IV Concorso Internazionale del Mobile in Cantù, Italy, in 1961, and ISA Bergamo acquired the rights to manufacture a modified version of Rodrigues’s original design.
In 1963, Rodrigues established a shop called Meia-Pataca, which sold simpler and more affordable furniture he had designed, such as his Tonico seating, which was intended for student housing.
Most of the estimated 1,200 armchairs, sofas, tables, storage cabinets and dining tables Rodrigues created in his long career are imbued, in one way or another, with the air of robust relaxation that defines the Mole chair. He was a designer who was true to the temperament of his people.
Find vintage Sergio Rodrigues furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Sergio Rodrigues
Pair of Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A bold and architectural pair that captures Sergio Rodrigues’ command of volume, proportion, and comfort. The solid jacarandá uprights frame a generous upholstered seat and backrest,...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
“Holperin” Armchair in Green Leather
Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1962s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The mid-century modern “Holperin” armchair was designed in 1962 by Sergio Rodrigues during his time at Oca. The base is made with solid Brazilian rosewood. The wood has been refinish...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Luxor Daybed by Sergio Rodrigues, 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1962, Daybed Luxor was formerly part of Hotel Luxor's bedroom in São Paulo, which had its interior design signed by the designer. The furn...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Oval wall mirrors by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Oval wall mirrors by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
Pair of Oval wall mirror with fabric-covered plywood structure.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Plywood
Round Mirror in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues - OCA - Brazil, c.1960 - Beautiful mirror in solid rosewood and beveled crystal. Mirror in good condition. The wood has been expertly refinished and boasts beautiful...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Round Rosewood Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues (attributed), 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Round mirror with rosewood frame, probably designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Set of 6 of “Marco” Chairs in Hardwood
Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This set of six “Marco” chairs, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, showcases the designer’s refined approach to Brazilian modernism. Crafted from rich rosewood, the frames di...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
3 Dining Chairs in Hardwood
Leather, Sergio Rodrigues for Bloch, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Each of these chairs features a solid rosewood frame paired with light brown leather upholstery, presenting a clean, almost brutalist aesthetic. Originally designed for Bloch Editors...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues bar cart by OCA brazil 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This stunning dry bar cart, designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by OCA in Brazil in 1965, is a quintessential piece of mid-century modern design. Comprising two folding doo...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, Tea Trolley "Vertis", c. 1960. Solid wood, white Formica
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in PARIS, FR
Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014)
Tea Trolley "Vertis", circa 1960
Solid wood, white Formica on the trays, and metal wheels
Dimensions: 77 x 72 x 43 cm (30.3 x 28.4 x 16.9 in)
Designed i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Metal
Brazilian Modern Coffee Table by Sergio Rodrigues in Lacquered Wood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian modern "Augusto" round coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues, 1991
Black lacquered wood and marble top
Sergio and Adolpho were already old acquaintances when, in 1991, the entr...
Category
1990s Brazilian Post-Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Marble
Brazilian Modern “Arimelo” Side Tables in Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1958
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today in NYC with free shipping included, these SUPER rare Brazilian Modern “Arimelo” Side Tables in Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1958 are nothing less than the find of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Brazilian Modern "Beg" Dining Table in Hardwood
Metal Legs, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern Dining or Conference Table in Hardwood and Metal by Sergio Rodrigues is THE find of the year!
This large dining/ conference room table (can fi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Metal
$24,000 Sale Price
20% Off
Brazilian Wall Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Rodrigues design circular wall mirror with a mitered interior frame in gorgeous Jacaranda wood. Large wall mirror in size and visual impact at 31.5 inches in diameter and 2.75...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Jacaranda
Mid-Century Modern Magrini Stool (2 units) by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1963 by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by his iconic company Oca, the Magrini Stool embodies the warmth and ingenuity of Brazilian modern desi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues Floor Lamp "Augusto" 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sergio Rodrigues
Floor Lamp "Augusto" Manufactured by OCA Brazil, 1965
Chrome-plated steel, Jacaranda, Fabric
Measurements Ø46×147hcm Ø 18,1 x 57,9h in
Literature Sergio Rodrigues,...
Category
1960s Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
Pair of Taja Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo
Sheriff
Side Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side table, pine, Italy, 1960s
Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanned...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Pine
Kiko Armchair by BSergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A rare model from Rodrigues’ 1960s production, the Kiko armchair combines the warmth of Brazilian jacarandá with an industrial sensibility expressed through its visible metal fitting...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 8 ‘Lucio
Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Lucio chair is an icon of Brazilian design, made with a solid wood structure, originally rosewood, and a flat cane seat. The backrest is sculpted with anatomical design and turned feet. Sergio Rodrigues designed this piece in 1956 in honor of Lucio Costa...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Straw, Rosewood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo
Sheriff
Coffee Table in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, coffee table, pine, Italy, 1960s
Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Pine
Brazilian Modern Armchairs with Wheels in Hardwood
Velvet, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed for Brasilia’s iconic Palácio Itamaraty, which houses the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, the "Jimi" armchair is a testament of Brazil's history. With i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Chrome
$6,000 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues - Taba - Stella armchair in solid rosewood jacaranda 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in São Paulo, SP
SERGIO RODRIGUES - 1956 - Rare and sculptural Bergere "Stella" armchair with solid rosewood legs and plywood seat frame covered in premium woven fabric. First upholstered armchair de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood, Plywood
Pair of Odilon Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Sergio Roberto Santos Rodrigues was a Brazilian carioca architect and designer. Along with Joaquim Tenreiro and José Zanine Caldas, Rodrigues was the Pio...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
$9,910 / set
Brazilian Modern Sofa“Caola” in Green fabric
Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Modern “Caola” Sofa in Green fabric & Hardwood, Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s is nothing less than...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood with Shelf by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Modern Bar Cart in Hardwood with Shelf by Sergio Rodrigues, c. 1960s, is nothing less than gorg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Set of 4 Cimba Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood
Small Sideboard in Hardwood, by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This meticulously crafted sideboard by Sergio Rodrigues is a paradigm of Brazilian mid-century modern design, seamlessly integrating functionality with a striking aesthetic. The stru...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Steel
Bloch Chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A particular characteristic in Brazilian mid-century furniture making was the practice of furnishing houses and commercial buildings in exchange for a special commission. This chair ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Cimba Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood
Cimba Loveseat by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood
Round Rosewood Mirror by Sergio Rodrigues (attributed), 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Round mirror with Rosewood frame, probably designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960S.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rosewood Bar Cart by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart was designed by Sérgio Rodrigues and made in Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda). Good vintage condition with original chromed casters.
The prolific architect and designe...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Formica, Rosewood
"Mocho" stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Imbuia Wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Magrini" stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Rosewood and Original Cushions.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Credenza by Sérgio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in jacaranda with leatherette doors. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Price Upon Request
Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic designs by Sergio Rodrigues, the "Oscar" chair was made in tribute to Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer.
This set still has the tags of Furnas, a reg...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Price Upon Request
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Bar-cart by Sergio Rodrigues
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood, Formica
Price Upon Request
"Oscar" Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic designs by Sergio Rodrigues, the "Oscar" chair was made in tribute to Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer.
This set still has the tags of Furnas, a reg...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Price Upon Request
"Magrini" stool by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Pine Wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Mucki" bench by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mucki" bench created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1959.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Mucki" bench by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mucki" bench created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1959.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Magrini" stool by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Imbuia Wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Mocho" stool by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Imbuia Wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Franco Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic and rare "Franco" sofa by Sergio Rodrigues.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Daav" Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
"Daav" chair in imbuia wood with black upholstered seat and metal base. Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1983, this example was custom made for R 20th century, 2004.
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Wood
Price Upon Request
Mucki Bench by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mucki" bench designed by Sergio Rodrigues.
Provence: private collection in the South of Brazil.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic designs by Sergio Rodrigues, the "Oscar" chair was made in tribute to Brazilian Architect Oscar Niemeyer.
This set still has the tags of Furnas, a re...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Sergio Rodrigues Furniture
Materials
Cane, Wood
Price Upon Request
Sergio Rodrigues furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Sergio Rodrigues 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 Sergio Rodrigues furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Sergio Rodrigues 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 Percival Lafer, Geraldo de Barros, and Jorge Zalszupin. Prices for Sergio Rodrigues furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,936 and can go as high as $72,120, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $15,000.
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