Sergio Rodrigues easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs and matching stool, model Mole, was designed by Sergio Rodrigues and produced by OCA in Brazil in 1957. The frames are crafted from solid jacaranda wood, a tropical hardwood prized for its deep color and dramatic grain patterns. The design features a robust, low-slung construction with thick cylindrical legs, creating a sturdy yet inviting silhouette. The seats and backrests consist of leather straps and buckles that form a flexible sling, conforming comfortably to the body’s contours.

The cushions are upholstered in black leather, generously padded and tufted to provide the signature soft and relaxed aesthetic of the Mole design. Oversized armrests and a deep seating area enhance comfort, epitomizing the laid-back ethos of Brazilian modernism. The accompanying stool is made of matching jacaranda and leather, completing the cohesive look of the set.

Sergio Rodrigues is often regarded as the father of modern Brazilian design, introducing a formal vocabulary that celebrates Brazil’s cultural and material heritage. The Mole chair was originally commissioned by photographer Otto Stupakoff for his studio as a “spread-out” sofa. Although initially overlooked in Brazil, it gained international acclaim after winning first prize at the IV Concorso Internazionale del Mobile in Cantù, Italy, in 1961. The design was praised by figures such as Arne Jacobsen for its embodiment of the relaxed Brazilian lifestyle.

The Mole chair represents a key moment in mid-century Brazilian furniture design, combining traditional jacaranda woodworking with innovative structural elements. The leather straps and buckles pay homage to the gaucho culture of southern Brazil, while the plush cushions reflect the casual, comfortable spirit associated with Rio de Janeiro.

This set is in well-preserved vintage condition, showing signs of wear consistent with its age. Each chair measures 110 cm in width, 90 cm in depth, and 76 cm in height (43.3 x 35.4 x 29.9 inches), with a seat height of 35 cm (13.8 inches). A matching sofa is also available.