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.
Móveis Streiff, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bentwood lounge chairs or cantilevered armchairs produced by Móveis Streiff, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.0"H x 24....
Wood
Brazilian Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Brazil, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained wood and yellow beige velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.625"H x 22.0"W x 29.0"D Seat Height (in...
Velvet, Wood
Augusto Romano Attribution, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Rush, Italy, 1940s
By Augusto Romano
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and wicker lounge chairs attributed to Augusto Romano, Italy, 1940s. Minor wear to arm rests and feet. Overall Dimensions (inches): 33.25"H x 27.25"W x 30.0"D Seat ...
Rush, Wood
Abel Sorenson, Armchairs, Wood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Abel Sorenson
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and leather armchairs designed and produced by Abel Sorenson, Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on leather. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Leather, Wood
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, stainless steel and white bouclé fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z Brazil, 1950s. Armless ...
Steel
Argentine Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Argentina, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Argentina, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.0"H x 25...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs MF5 by Branco & Preto, 1960
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte for Branco & Preto, the MF5 Armchair stands as an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a handwoven cane seat and backrest, the piece reflects the studio's precision and craft. The loose cushions...
Silk, Cane, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of MF5 Armchairs by Branco & Preto, 1953
By Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1953 by Carlos Milan and Miguel Forte for Branco & Preto, the MF5 Armchair stands as an important piece of Brazilian modern design. Crafted in solid rosewood with a han...
Fabric, Cane, Wood
Branco e Preto Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs solid jacaranda wood, fabric
By Branco & Preto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Miguel Forte, Jacob Ruchti, Plinio Groce, Roberta Aflalo, Carlos Millan & Che Y Hwa) Pair of armchairs model “R3” Sold as individual it...
Upholstery, Jacaranda
Mid-Century Modern Set of 2 chairs by Branco & Preto, 1952
By Luiz Pássaro, Branco & Preto
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian modernist craftsmanship, the Cane Chair was designed in 1952 by Jacob Ruchti for Branco & Preto, one of São Paulo’s most influential architect...
Straw, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern Pair of Armchairs in Hardwood & Cane, Unknown, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to an unknown Brazilian maker and dating to the 1960s, this pair of armchairs reflects the disciplined clarity that defines much of the period’s seating design. Their arch...
Cane, Hardwood
Rosewood Chair with Armrests, by Móveis Cantù, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Cantu
Located in New York, NY
This pair of chairs with armrests made in solid rosewood and fabric was produced by Cantù Móveis e Interiores Ltda. in the 1960s. This model was manufactured with seats in cane or le...
Rosewood, Fabric
