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.
Brazilian Modern Pair of Square Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This pair of square side tables, produced in Brazil during the 1960s, exemplifies the understated elegance characteristic of anonymous Brazilian Modern design. Crafted from rosewood ...
Glass, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Two-Tier Coffee Table in Rosewood and Glass, Celina, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
A streamlined yet exquisite Brazilian modern coffee table produced by Celina Decorações in the 1960s. The architectural rosewood frame features an inset glass top above a substantial...
Glass, Rosewood
Attributed to Carlo Hauner Rosewood, Glass & Steel Side Table, Brazilian Modern
By Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Carlo Hauner (1927–1997), this rare side table from 1950s Brazil reflects the material clarity and architectural precision central to Brazilian mid-century modern desig...
Metal
Pair of Brazilian Modern Side Tables in Rosewood and Marble, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
These Brazilian Modern side tables balance richly figured rosewood, expressive original marble, and an unusually graceful storage structure. Each square top frames the stone within a...
Marble
Joaquim Tenreiro Coffee Table in Brazilian Rosewood & Glass, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in structural refinement and material intelligence, this exceptional coffee table by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the principles that established him as the father of Braz...
Glass, Rosewood
Pair of Brazilian Modern Side Tables in Rosewood & Marble with Shelves, Celina
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Brazilian modern side tables by Celina, dating to the 1960s, balances sculptural woodwork with the quiet elegance of natural marble. Each table pairs a removable square ...
Marble
Mid-Century Modern Side Table by Branco & Preto, 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
This glass-top coffee table is an important design by Branco & Preto, the pioneering São Paulo collective that helped define Brazilian modernism in the 1950s. The minimalist stru...
Glass, Wood
Branco & Preto Caviuna Side Table, Glass Top, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1960s
By Branco & Preto, Luiz Pássaro
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Branco & Preto Brazilian Mid-Century Modern side table with glass top set in Caviuna wood frame. 21.5" H x 25.5" W x 25.5" D. Listing is for single table. Caviuna is a Brazilian timber tree yielding a heavy, hard dark-coloured wood streaked with black. Table features glass top effortlessly embedded in the wooden frame. Gorgeous sculptural rectangular recessed legs. The strong lines and masterful proportions, sculptural yet unassuming - effortlessly stylish. Made by Luiz Pássaro...
Glass, Wood
Brazilian Midcentury side table designed by Branco & Preto; Brazil 1950s
By Branco & Preto
Located in Whitstable, GB
Brazilian Midcentury side table, designed by the architecture office Branco & Preto. São Paulo, Brazil 1950s The frame is in solid caviúna wood in minimalistic design. The table ha...
Hardwood
Pair of Side Tables by Branco & Preto, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1955
By Branco & Preto
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An archetypal example of Branco & Preto’s rational elegance, these side tables exemplify the group’s pursuit of harmony between proportion, material, and function. The transparen...
Glass, Rosewood
Rosewood and Glass Side Table by Unknown Designer, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This charming side table was produced in the 1960s, and its autorship is still in research by our team. The piece is made in solid Rosewood ans...
Rosewood, Glass
1970's Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Percival Lafer Rosewood Side Table
By OCA Brazil, Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern side table for sale. Designed by Percival Lafer in the 1970's, and is an original Brazilian Modern table with the original foil label still intact....
Chrome
