Six young architects joined forces in the 1950s to create Branco & Preto in São Paulo. Together, they created high-end modern furniture inspired by the spirited reinvigoration of art and architecture in Brazil.
The six founders — Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plínio Croce, Roberto Aflalo, Carlos Millan and Chen Y Hwa — all attended Mackenzie Architecture University, a school led by architect and modernist critic Cristiano Stockler das Neves who prioritized neoclassicism. As progressive students, the founders rebelled against this status quo in their work.
During the 1950s, there were few designers of modern furniture based in Brazil aside from Brazilian furniture firm Mòveis Artisticos Z and Portuguese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro. Branco & Preto helped fill a wide gap in the market.
Brazilian modernist pioneers Rino Levi and Gregori Warchavchik were important early connections. Through them, Ruchti and Forte met American architect Philip Johnson and German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; meanwhile, Croce, Alfalo and Millan drew inspiration from the works of Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra and Hungarian-American architect and furniture designer Marcel Breuer.
As a proponent of “Rio modernism,” Branco & Preto often combined glass, iron and calacatta marble with Brazilian woods like jacaranda and caviuna to make its handcrafted furnishings. Free from plywood and screws, this furniture required the expertise of skilled woodworkers, especially for the MF5 armchair and slatted coffee table. Both designed by Millan, they are among Branco & Preto’s most recognized works.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Branco & Preto tables, seating and case pieces and storage cabinets.
Mid-Century Modern M3 Sofá by Branco & Preto, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
The M3 sofa by Branco & Preto, crafted in solid wood and recently reupholstered with suede. Founded in São Paulo in 1952, Branco & Preto became a landmark in the history of...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1960s Sofa with wooden stick legs and fabric-covered frame.
Fabric, Wood
Sofa by Branco & Preto circa 1960, Brasil
By Branco & Preto
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare banquette par la manufacture brésilienne Branco & Preto Branco & Preto est une entreprise de mobilier créée en 1952 par les architectes d’avant-garde Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruch...
Leather, Imbuia
$31,150
H 27.96 in W 91.34 in D 29.53 in
Forma S.a Rare Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Ca 1954 Midcentury Brazil
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This rare sofa was designed in 1955 and produced by Forma, a company directed by Carlo Hauner (1927- 1996) and Martin Eisler (1913- 1977). This piece is an icon and illustrates some ...
Leather, Rosewood
Midcentury Sofa by José Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Design
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This midcentury sofa, in wood and grey fabric, was produced in the 1950s in São Paulo by Zanine's studio, is a good example of his earlier pieces. José Zanine Caldas was a designer,...
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, this refined mid-century Italian sofa exemplifies the designer’s signature balance of architectural clarity and functional elegance. Designed in the 19...
Brass, Steel
$40,000
H 28.75 in W 75.2 in D 29.53 in
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
$6,188
H 31.5 in W 79.93 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son Denmark, 1950s Original leather.
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s Three-seater sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro, circa 1960s. It has a solid wood base structure and fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Modern Jens Risom Model 37 Sofa for Knoll, 1940s
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Chicago, IL
1940s Jens Risom Model 37 loveseat sofa for Knoll in charcoal grey upholstery atop tapered stained birch legs, a class Midcentury Modern design. The high back features a row of butto...
Upholstery, Birch
