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.
Paraty Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A refined expression of Rodrigues’ mastery of proportion and comfort, the Paraty sofa combines architectural clarity with inviting warmth. The gently curved backrest and subtly flare...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern "Longarina" Auditorium Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed for auditorium and institutional settings in Brazil during the 1960s–70s, this pair of double Longarina seating units reflects the period’s emphasis on modularity, durabilit...
Iron
Sergio Rodrigues, Cavoina, Cowhide, Four Cuiabá Dining Chairs, Brazil, 1985
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Stamford, CT
Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, Cavoina, Biege Cowhide, Four "Cuiabá" Dining or Side Chairs, Brazil, 1985 Set of four rare "Cuiabá" dining chairs designed by Sergio ...
Cowhide
Set of 8 Rosewood ‘Lucio' Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, 1956, Brazilian Midcentury
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
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, the great Brazilian architect and urban planner. This set is composed of eight chairs of Rosewood, with natural cane seats. Best known for his plan for Brasília, Lucio COSTA was one of the architects responsible for the project that became the most significant landmark of modern architecture in Brazil: the MEC (Ministry of Education and Culture) building in Rio de Janeiro, inaugurated in 1943. The construction presented a Modern architecture of Brazilian industry...
Straw, Rosewood
“Holperin” Swivel Armchair in Green Leather & Rosewood, Sergio Rodrigues, 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Among the rare office seating designs created by Sergio Rodrigues during the formative years of Brazilian Modernism, the Holperin armchair stands as one of his most architecturally r...
Metal
Pair of Taja Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1970s
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Previously Restored
Wood
Original Design Sergio Rodrigues, Lucio Chairs for OCA Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in Renens, CH
Sergio Rodrigues set the standard for Modern furniture in Brazil during the 1950s. His works have become a reference for Brazilian design, which often use indigenous wood species suc...
Cane, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chairs for Oca, 1956, Set of 4
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" dining chairs for Oca, wood and Vienna straw, Brazil, 1956, set of four. Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the...
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues, 60s Drummond armchair, solid wood, Brazilian modern design
By Sergio Rodrigues, Oca
Located in São Paulo, SP
“Drummond” Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1959 (Set of 2) Designed in 1959 by the acclaimed Brazilian architect and designer Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014),...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Mucki Bench in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, 1958, Brazilian Midcentury
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958 by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) and manufactured by Oca, the Mucki bench is an incredible and versatile piece – ideal for different kinds ...
Hardwood
Four Seats "Longarina", by Sergio Rodrigues, 1965, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The exceptional auditorium armchair designed by the legendary Brazilian architect and designer Sérgio Rodrigues in 1965 showcases his genius for combining materials and proportions t...
Wood
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...
Straw, Rosewood
Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in iron structure, solid wood arms and new black leather upholstery. Brazil, 1950.
Iron
$13,440Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues' Cíntia Bench in solid wood, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Cíntia bench, a timeless design masterpiece, was created in 1964 by the renowned Brazilian designer and architect, Sergio Rodrigues. The bench's beautiful structure, made of soli...
Wood
Price Upon Request
"Mocho" stools by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic "Mocho" stool created by Sergio Rodrigues in 1954 in Imbuia Wood.
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.
Hardwood
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...
Cane, Wood
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Franco Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in London, England
Iconic and rare "Franco" sofa by Sergio Rodrigues.
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.
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.
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...
Cane, Wood