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.
Sergio Rodrigues, Coffee Table, Wood, Marble, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and marble coffee table designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.0"H x 32.5"W x 32.5"D All items ship fr...
Marble
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Mole / Sheriff Chair and Ottoman, Jacaranda, Leather, 1960's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Culver City, CA
This chair and ottoman set is pure Brazilian modern magic — the kind of duo that doesn’t just complete a room, it defines it. With its sculptural Jacaranda frame, deep tufted cushion...
Leather, Jacaranda
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa, Jacaranda Rosewood, Leather, 1960's
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Culver City, CA
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in ...
Leather, Jacaranda
"Sheriff" lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, 1960S
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in bruxelles, BE
Dark brown leather and wood lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues. Model: Sheriff. Seat height: 38 cm. Wear due to time and the age of the lounge chair. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECE...
Leather, Wood
$17,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sergio Rodrigues 'Kilin' Lounge Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, OCA, Brazil 1970s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and authentic pair of Kilin lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil, circa 1970s. These are original period examples, not later reproductions, crafted in sol...
Leather, Rosewood
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
'Mole' Brazilian Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA Brazil, 1960s, Signed
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare signed example of the 'Mole' sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, produced by OCA Brazil in the 1960s (see image gallery for a photo of the OCA stamp). This Mole sofa has an expansive am...
Rosewood, Leather
Cantu Alta Dining Chair, Solid Wood Leather, in the style of Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Set of eight Cantu Alta dining chairs attributed to Sérgio Rodrigues, in the manner of his 1960s designs produced by Oca, tall back dining chairs in solid rosewood and veneers with l...
Leather, Wood
$1,486 / set
Sergio Rodriguez Barstools 1970's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Marbella bar stools from Conform Manuform, Spain 1970s. Construction made of colored beech, and the seat has the shape of the letter T which provides amazing comfort and s...
Beech
1973 Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Armchairs in Freijo Wood & Leather by Oca, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of 'Kilin' armchairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by Oca, Brazil., 1973. Designed by the renowned architect and designer, Sergio Rodrigues, these arm...
Leather, Wood
Mole Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Jangada armchair and ottoman designed by Jean Gillon in 1968 and produced by Italma WoodArt, a reclining lounge chair with a solid noble wood frame, a woven cord suspension and loose...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Desk and Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid Century Clean Lined Rosewood Desk and Chair, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, circa 1960s. The chair is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. S...
Metal
Sergio Rodrigues, Sideboard, Freijó, Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A Freijó wood and black leather sideboard or cabinet designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1965. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Leather, Wood
Original Brazilian Design Mocho Stool by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1950s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
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...
Wood, Walnut
Poltrona Tonico by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Leather, Brazil, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Poltrona Tonico, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced by Oca, is a Brazilian modern lounge chair crafted from solid rosewood with leather upholstery. Its generous button...
Leather, Wood, Hardwood
Brazilian Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair and Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues for ISA
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Sergio Rodriguez Sheriff Chair and Ottoman were completely disassembled and each piece of rosewood was stripped, sanded and refinished in multiple coats of hand-buffed finishing...
Leather, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, Nightstands, Rosewood, Metal, Glass, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rosewood, metal and glass "Yara" nightstands designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 25.5"H x 20.5"W x 13.125"D All item...
Metal
Kilin Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Solid Wood and Saddle Leather, Brazi
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Kilin armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1973 and produced by Oca, a sculptural lounge chair in solid wood and saddle leather. The Kilin armchair pairs a curved, solid caviúna ...
Leather, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Lounge Chair
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Red Lion, PA
"Sheriff" model. Solid pine, leather cover, leather straps. Design: Sergio Rodrigues, 1957. Manufacturer: Isa, Bergamo, Italy. Vintage condition
Leather, Wood
Costela Armchair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Wood and Steel
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Costela armchair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in 1953, a lounge chair with a ribbed wood frame, a steel structure and upholstered cushions. The Costela, Portuguese for ...
Wood
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues Leather "Sheriff" Lounge Chair and Ottoman - All solid wood - with NO Cushions. Cushions can be custom made by most upholstery shops that...
Leather, Hardwood
Midcentury Modern Sergio Rodrigues "Sheriff" Lounge Chairs, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Argelato, BO
An authentic icon of Mid-Century Brazilian design, the Sheriff armchair is one of the most important and beloved works of the Brazilian designer Sergi...
Leather, Wood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Dining Table in Solid Pine
By ISA Bergamo, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, dining table, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spann...
Pine
$40,950Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern Set of 10 Tião chair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1964
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The Tião dining chairs are designed by Sergio Rodrigues during the 1960s and produced by Oca. This set of ten chairs is made of Rosewood with fabric upholstery. They combine aestheti...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$25,900Sale Price / set|31% Off
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Jacaranda & Leather Cantu Chairs, c 1959 Brazil, Signed
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An important set of six (6) Jacaranda Rosewood 'Cantu' dining chairs by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca Arquitetura e Interiores in original leather, signed with labels and Brazilian tax st...
Granite
Sergio Rodrigues 'Itamaraty' Desk or Table
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Itamaraty Desk or Table Rosewood Brazil, 1960s Offered by RAFA gallery
Rosewood
Oscar Armchair by Sérgio Rodrigues, Rosewood and Cane, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mole armchair designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in 1957 and produced by Oca, a defining lounge chair of Brazilian modern design in solid rosewood and thick saddle leather. The Mole armcha...
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues "Millor" Sofa in Rosewood, Leather & Textured Fabric, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated expression of Brazilian Modernism, the Millor sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the designer’s enduring belief that comfort, craftsmanship, and material richness shou...
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare sofa model Mole Produced in Bra...
Jacaranda, Leather
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A cornerstone of Rodrigues’ early career, the Oscar armchairs capture the essence of Brazilian modernism: organic warmth, impeccable craftsmanship, and an intuitive sense of comfort....
Cane, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Modern, 1958 - "Mucki" bench in Rosewood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1958, the Mucki bench by Sérgio Rodrigues stands as an essential expression of Brazilian modern design—an era that fused architectural clarity with the warmth and soul of...
Hardwood, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Mocho' Stool, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Mocho Stool Wood Model created in 1959 LinBrasil edition
Hardwood
Set of 10 Cantu Dining Chairs, Sergio Rodrigues, Rosewood & Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of ten Cantu dining chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the 1960s, crafted in solid Brazilian rosewood with original faux leather upholstery. The chairs feature elongate...
Hardwood, Faux Leather
$19,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid-Century Modern pair of Nightstands by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A pair of solid bedside tables produced by Sergio Rodrigues for Oca in the 1960s. Made of solid Rosewood with Rosewood veneers, these small side tables combine form with functionalit...
Chrome
1960s Mid Century Modern Credenza by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazilian Rosewood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and highly functional Brazilian modern credenza designed by Sergio Rodrigues, dating to the 1960s. Crafted from solid Brazilian rosewood (jacarandá), the piece exemplifies ...
Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, 1963
By Meia Pataca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Lounge Chair for Meia Pataca, leather and wood, Brazil, 1963 Designed in 1963 for Meia Pataca, the “Tonico” is Sergio Rodrigues at his most direct: a low w...
Leather, Wood
$13,900Sale Price / set|22% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Set of 6 Brazilian Modern Dining Chairs in Rosewood, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined and sculptural set of six dining chairs by Brazilian modernist Sergio Rodrigues, produced during the 1950s. These chairs feature tall, expressive backrests and finely craft...
Rosewood, Fabric
Sergio Rodrigues, Unique ‘Bloch Editores’ Dining Table, Brazil, 1965
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A unique one-off dining table designed by Sergio Rodrigues for the Bloch Editores building in 1965. Executed in rosewood with distinctive brass sabots and exposed brass detailing thr...
Brass
Vintage 'Mole' Rosewood Armchair with Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues created the "Mole'' concept between 1956 and 1957 at the photographer Otto Stupakoff's request, who wanted a two-seater sofa for his studio. The sofa should have cus...
Leather, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern “Amelia” Coffee Table in Rosewood & Chrome, Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in structural restraint and material richness, the “Amelia” coffee table by Sergio Rodrigues exemplifies the architectonic clarity that defined Brazilian Modernism duri...
Chrome
$20,475Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of "Oscar" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Created by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1956, the Oscar armchair was an homage to Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), one of the most important Brazilian architects in modern architecture...
Straw, Rosewood
“Moleca” Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Rosewood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1963
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare example of the Moleca lounge chair and ottoman, designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1963 and produced exclusively that year. The model represents a pivotal moment ...
Leather, Hardwood, Wood
Sergio Rodrigues, Queen Bed, Rosewood & Cane, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Queen Bed Rosewood & Cane Brazil, 1950s Offered by RAFA gallery
Cane, Rosewood
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...
Pine
Rosewood Three-Seat Millor Sofa, Sergio Rodrigues Modern Design, Brazil, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Metal
$10,700Sale Price|28% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Brazilian Rosewood Convertible Bar Cart, c 1960s Brazil
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This innovative bar cart by Sergio Rodrigues was crafted in circa 1960 from Brazilian Rosewood with contrasting white formica interior, made in Brazil and recently imported to the states. Fully restored and ready to be used and cherished immediately. A highly sought-after collectors piece, this dry bar / trolley features a flip-top which becomes a usable platform...
Formica, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Kilin Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, 1973
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927-2014) in 1973 and produced by Oca, the Kilin armchair is composed of two sides and two crosspieces, with the back and seat made from a unique piece...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Vivi Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Hollywood, CA
One of Sergio Rodrigues’ most elegant and understated designs, the Vivi armchairs reveal his talent for merging comfort with architectural clarity. Their low, grounded profile and pr...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Sergio Rodrigues, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Brazil, 1978
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood lounge chairs or armchairs designed and produced by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, c. 1978. Very light scratching on backrest of one chair and arm of the other. Refinished...
Wood
Sergio Rodrigues Rosewood Daybed in Taupe Boucle, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the 1960s by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014), this rosewood daybed embodies the relaxed monumentality and material honesty that defined Brazilian modernism. Conceived as par...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues, 1959. Eight Tiao chairs in Rosewood (2 armchairs + 6 chairs)
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
A refined and quietly sculptural set of eight Tião dining chairs by Sergio Rodrigues, executed in richly grained Brazilian rosewood and newly upholstered in a soft, textural bouclé. ...
Bouclé, Hardwood
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" Dining Chairs for Oca, 1956, Set of 6
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Sergio Rodrigues "Lucio Costa" dining chairs for Oca, wood and Vienna straw, Brazil, 1956, set of six. Sergio Rodrigues designed the "Lúcio Costa" dining chair in 1956 for Oca, the ...
Wood
Original Brazilian Design Mocho Stool by Sergio Rodrigues for OCA, 1950s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
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...
Hardwood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo 'Sheriff' Side Tables in Solid Pine
By Sergio Rodrigues, ISA Bergamo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues for ISA Bergamo, side tables, pine, Italy, 1960s Sergio Rodrigues stands as one of the most iconic figures in Brazilian design, with a remarkable career that spanne...
Pine
Sergio Rodrigues, Set Of Twelve High-Back Rosewood Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sergio Rodrigues Set of Twelve High-Back Dining Chairs From the Bloch Editores Building Rosewood, Upholstery Brazil, 1965
Upholstery, Hardwood
Clara Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in New York, NY
'Clara' Executive Desk by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, features beautifully grained Brazilian Caviona Wood, Aluminum, and signature trestle base with six drawers. Produced in circa 1960s...
Aluminum
Midcentury Rosewood Bed by Unknown Designer, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
In the 1960s in Brazil, furniture with modern design gained more space within the intimate areas of homes, especially bedrooms. The architecture and decoration magazines started to s...
Rosewood, Cane
Pair of “Lucio Costa” Chairs in Hardwood & Caning by Sergio Rodrigues, 1956's
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in 1956, the “Lucio Costa” chair (model CD-7) marks an important moment in the development of modern Brazilian furniture. The design emerged ...
Hardwood
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 Armchair with Wheels, Hardwood & Ultra Suede Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed for Brasília’s Palácio Itamaraty, which houses Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations, the Jimi armchair stands as a significant example of Brazilian modern desi...
Chrome