Sergio Rodrigues Mole chair with stool OCA Brazil 1957

Sergio Rodrigues

Brazil, 1927 – 2014
Architect, designer

Iconic Mole chair and footstool designed by Sergio Rodrigues and manufactured by OCA in Brazil in 1957. Sergio Rodrigues’ famous creation, the “Mole” Armchair, made in 1957, holds a special place in his design work. Its name, which means “soft” in Portuguese, perfectly describes its character. The chair is made from a strong and curved Rosewood frame, featuring adjustable leather straps for support and large leather cushions that give it a luxurious feel. Although it didn’t initially receive much attention, the Mole Armchair quickly became an iconic symbol of Brazilian design. What makes this chair stand out is its comfortable design that perfectly fits the body with high quality olive green leather which was newly done.

But its importance goes beyond looks; it represents a significant achievement in the history of Brazilian design. With its sturdy solid rosewood construction and exceptional comfort, the Mole Armchair changed the international design scene. It shifted the focus towards comfort and emphasised the importance of scale, which was different from the prevailing rigid and sterile design trends at the time. Recognising its excellence, the Mole Armchair received acclaim at the IV Furniture Bienal in Italy in 1961. Today, this masterpiece is part of the renowned Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collection in New York. Priced and sold in a set.

Literature; Sergio Rodrigues Soraia Cals 2000 , page 46- 53 / 134-135