Sergio Rodrigues “Macedo” Sofa in Rosewood and Olive Green Mohair with Integrated Bookshelf, Brazil, circa 1960 - Lot 1220

Description

Dated circa 1960, Sergio Rodrigues’s “Macedo” sofa brings seating and storage into a single architectural composition—a distinctive expression of Brazilian Modern furniture conceived to be experienced from every side.

Broad rosewood side panels frame a low, deeply proportioned seat, their expressive grain balanced by softly rounded edges, substantial corner posts, and circular metal fasteners. A gently crowned bench cushion and three tapered back cushions soften the structure in olive green mohair. The fabric’s dense pile and diffuse glow complement the warmth of the wood, creating a restrained interplay of texture, color, and comfort.

An integrated rear bookshelf extends nearly the full width of the sofa. Its generous open compartment accommodates upright volumes, stacked art books, and objects, while the continuous upper ledge provides an additional display surface. This purposeful rear elevation allows the Macedo to float within a room, defining a seating area while functioning as a low library and display console.

Rodrigues helped establish a distinctly Brazilian language within international modernism, grounding modern furniture in expressive timber, generous proportions, and informal comfort. Through Oca, founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1955, he advanced this approach; his Mole chair’s 1961 victory at Cantù brought international recognition. The Macedo reflects that same conviction: furniture as an intimate relationship between material, architecture, and everyday life.