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.
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
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
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1956 Named after Oscar Niemeyer, this armchair features the iconic curves and sinuous lines characteristic...
Cane, Wood
$2,848Sale Price / set|30% Off
Sergio Rodrigues Mid-century Modern Brazil Chairs, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of modernist chairs by the pioneer of Carioca design Sérgio Rodrigues, in ebonized beech wood covered in velvet. The chairs synthesize a unique combination of Shaker, De Stijl a...
Velvet, Beech
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
Sergio Rodrigues Dining Chairs, Rosewood veneers, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Leather, Rosewood
$9,825 / set
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...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 of “Marco” Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in the 1960s, the “Marco” chair reflects the designer’s disciplined approach to proportion, structural clarity, and material presence within ...
Leather, Hardwood
“Cuiaba” Dining Chair with Armrests in Hardwood & Fabric, Sergio Rodrigues, 1970
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) in the 1970s, the Cuiabá dining chair with armrests reflects the designer’s continued exploration of structure, comfort, and expressive form....
Hardwood
$3,100 / item
Kiko Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Sergio Rodrigues is a world-renowned furniture designer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who originated 1,200 designs, half of which were actually produced. His works are popular not onl...
Leather, Wood
Pair of ‘Lia’ Armchairs by Sérgio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1962, Jacaranda and Cowhide
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful pair of Lia armchairs in very good condition. Designed by Sérgio Rodrigues in Brazil in 1962. The frame of these chairs is fabricated from sol...
Cowhide, Leather, Jacaranda, Rosewood
Set of Six “Tião” Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1959
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1959, the “Tião” dining chair represents an early and highly disciplined expression of Sergio Rodrigues’ approach to Brazilian Modernism—where structural clarity, materia...
Faux Leather, Hardwood
1959 Sergio Rodrigues High-Backed Cantu chair by Oca, Brazil.
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Sergio Rodrigues High-Backed Cantu chair manufactured by Oca Brazil, 1959. The Cantu chair is a celebrated piece of Brazilian mid century modernist d...
Leather
Set of two “Lúcio Costa” dining chairs, by Sérgio Rodrigues. Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two “Lúcio Costa” dining chairs, a classic icon of Brazilian design, simple and timeless, a tribute to the acclaimed Brazilian architec...
Cane, Hardwood
Dining Chairs in Hardwood & Leather, Sergio Rodrigues for Bloch, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues and Joaquim Tenreiro for Bloch Editors, São Paulo, c. 1950s. Commissioned for the broadcaster’s headquarters, this suite exemplifies the utilitarian refi...
Leather, Hardwood
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
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
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
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
$5,760Sale Price / item|22% Off
H 29 in W 18 in D 19 in
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Jacarandá Dining Chair, Brasil, circa 1955
By OCA Brazil, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sergio Rodrigues for Oca, Jacarandá Dining Chair Set of 4, Brasil, 1950s. Exceedingly rare set of 4. Appear to be all original. Original textile is faded and has some wear. Each chair with original label. Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda). Museum quality pieces by the father of Brazilian Modernism, Sergio Rodrigues. Stunning woodgrain. Original upholstery. Each chair Labelled with original Oca leather tag and paper label. See photos. Sergio Rodrigues is credited as the father of modern design in Brazil for having introduced a uniquely Brazilian formal vocabulary with his unique mix of thick and sturdy, “earthy” modernist style. Internationally recognized as one of Brazil's most influential modern designers, Rodrigues' most famous project is undoubtedly the Mole chair...
Textile, Jacaranda
Mid-Century Modern Kiko Armchair by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Sergio Rodrigues in 1960, the Kiko armchair has a rectilinear rosewood structure with flat, squared members joined at right angles. The seat and backrest cushions are uph...
Leather, Rosewood
Rare Sergio Rodrigues Cantu Dining Chairs
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Set of 4 Brazilian rosewood dining chairs design 1959 by Sergio Rodrigues The chairs are in good vintage condition.
Wood
$35,000
H 30 in W 80 in D 43 in
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
$4,592
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Lucio Chair 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...
Wood, Cane
$15,999 / set
H 30.5 in W 18.5 in D 20 in
1950's Set of Four Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Sergio Rodrigues Dining Chairs
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Burbank, CA
Set of four original vintage Mid Century Modern dining chairs for sale. Designed by famed designed Sergio Rodrigues, and were manufactured in 1957. These are made of solid hardwood j...
Leather, Jacaranda
$26,800Sale Price|21% Off
H 29.5 in W 75 in D 36 in
'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
$33,200
H 29.14 in W 44.49 in D 34.26 in
Moleca Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The "Moleca" lounge chair is a significant piece of Brazilian design history, created in 1957 by master designer Sergio Rodrigues. It is a beautiful example of Rodrigues's unique and...
Wood
$27,000
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 29.93 in
Vintage 'Mole' Solid Rosewood Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Rosewood
$32,000
H 28.75 in W 65.75 in D 29.93 in
Vintage 'Mole' Sofa by Sergio Rodrigues, 1960s, Midcentury Brazilian
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Mole sofa is Sergio Rodrigues' signature piece designed between 1956 and 1957, giving rise to the famous and award-winning Mole armchair. In Portu...
Leather, Wood
$13,196 / set
H 29.14 in W 33.47 in D 35.44 in
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
$25,000
H 29 in W 33 in D 31 in
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
Sold
H 33.08 in W 33.86 in D 35.83 in
Sergio Rodrigues 'Sheriff' Pair of Lounge Chairs in Black Leather
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sergio Rodrigues, 'Sheriff' lounge chairs, black leather and Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1960s Comfortable and extravagant lounge chairs by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues. Th...
Leather, Hardwood
“Diz” Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 21st Century
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Victoria, BC
An icon of Brazilian modernism, the “Diz” lounge chair by Sergio Rodrigues is a masterclass in organic form, structural elegance, and tactile luxury. This example is in incredible or...
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Dining Chairs 'Marco', by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Hardwood
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Designed by the renowned Brazilian modernist Sergio Rodrigues, the "Marco" chair is a striking example of mid-century design, blending functionality with timeless aesthetics. Origina...
Wood, Fabric, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern “Diz” Lounge Chair by Sergio Rodrigues
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Victoria, BC
Newly available, we're thrilled to offer this rare Brazilian lounge chair designed by Sergio Rodrigues in the early 2000s. With its sweeping angles and smooth, flowing lines, it’s an...
Wood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 43.31 in D 35.44 in
Pair of Easy Chairs and Stool in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs and Stool in Jacaranda and Leather by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Jacaranda and leather Style: Mid century, Brazil Rare pair of...
Jacaranda, Leather
Sold
H 31.11 in W 21.66 in D 24.81 in
Set of "Kiko" Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Kiko armchair, designed by Sérgio Rodrigues, is a true masterpiece of mid-century Brazilian furniture design. Its minimalist structure, made of...
Leather, Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Chairs
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sergio Rodrigues Kilin Chairs. Original Leather and Wood Surface. OCA Label present.
Leather
Sergio Rodrigues Vronka lounge chair OCA Brazil 1962
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Wonderful so called ‘Vronka’ lounge chair designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by OCA, Brazil 1962. This beautiful shaped lounge chair is a great example of Brazilian modern...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.11 in W 25.6 in D 25.6 in
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Oscar Armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1956
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Named after Oscar Niemeyer, this armchair features the iconic curves and sinuous lines characteristic of the work of the famous Brazilian architect. Designed in 1956 by the Brazilia...
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 17.33 in Dm 15.36 in
"Mocho" Stool by Sergio Rodrigues in Solid Jacaranda for OCA, Brazil, 1950's
By Sergio Rodrigues, OCA Brazil
Located in Uithoorn, NL
"Mocho" Stool in solid jacaranda by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil 1950's The stool is heavy and robust, easy to use and comfortable to sit on. The Mocho is inspired by a cow-milking sto...
Jacaranda
Sergio Rodrigues "Katita" Chair
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sergio Rodrigues "Katita" chair with circle cut outs on a maple wooden frame and cloth seating.
Wool, Wood
Sergio Rodriguez "Pescador" Chair by Mendez-Hirth, Brazil, 2006
By Fernando Mendes, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Sergio Rodriguez "Pescador" Chair rendered in Peoria Mica and Cedar edited by Mendez-Hirth(Labeled), and retailed at Espasso, Made in Brazil, Edition Number 051, circa 2006
Cedar