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.
1963 Luigi Caccia Dominioni-Sofa series P11 Fasce Cromate upholstery
By Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Milano, Lombardia
“The design of a furniture piece has involved the production of my pieces in small series; in this way, I had the opportunity to rigorously control every part of the object, which I ...
Metal
Set of 2 sofas by Olof Ottelin
By Olof Ottelin
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of 2 sofas by Olof Ottelin. Finland, 1950. Manufactured by Keravan Puusepa¨ntehdas, Stockmann. Wood structure, cotton satin upholstery. 150 x H 84 ...
Fabric, Wood
Rare Sofa by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Rare sofa by Alvar Aalto. Finland, 1956. Provenance: Kansanela¨kelaitos (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Example provided with original label....
Brass
Large Modular Sofa by U. Berger, E. Peduzzi Riva E K.Vogt, Italy, 1972
By Klaus Vogt, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva, Ueli Berger
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Large modular sofa (24 modules) by Ueli Berger, Eleonore Peduzzi Riva e Klaus Vogt. Italy, 1972. Manufactured by De Sede. Wood, leather. Measures: 100 x 600 x H 73 cm, each module: 1...
Leather, Wood
1970 Jorge Zalszupin- Set sofa armchair lowtable Private Collection Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Polish-born designer Jorge Zalszupin decided to move to Brazil as soon as World War II ended. In São Paulo, he found the perfect conditions to develop a unique, elegant, sensual and ...
Wood, Upholstery
Benche by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
MASTERPIECE Italy, 1930s Provided with certificate of authenticity of the Gio Ponti Archives Walnut frame, Dedar Tabularasa cotton satin upholst...
Cotton, Walnut
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
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
Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Sofa, Rosewood, Grey Fabric, Brazil, 1955
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in High Point, NC
A grey fabric and rosewood sofa designed and produced by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazil, 1955. Presents with partial makers label to underside. Seat Height (inches): 15.25" Arm ...
Fabric, Rosewood
Minimalist style "Lina" sofa, upholstered fabric, natural wood sides
By Alessandra Delgado
Located in Alto da Lapa, SP
Alessandra Delgado is passionate about Lina Bo Bardi architectural work, including the project for the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo - MASP and its structural pillars that seems to hold the building itself in thin air. The use of fine woodwork...
Velvet, Walnut
Brazilian Design - Liceu de Artes e Oficios, 4-seater sofa, solid wood. c. 1960
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in PARIS, FR
Liceu de Artes e Oficios 4-seater sofa, c. 1960 Solid wood and natural linen fabric 200 x 80 x 71 cm 78 37/50 x 31 1/2 x 27 19/20 in Made in the 1960s, this four-seater sofa exempla...
Linen, Hardwood
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Leather, Liceu de Artes e Oficios 1960s
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
Liceu de Artes e Oficios, Brazil, c. 1960s. Produced for the Liceu’s institutional interiors, this three-seat sofa distills the formal restraint of Brazilian modernism into a long, q...
Leather, Hardwood
