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Jean Gillon Furniture

Although he was Romanian by birth, architect and designer Jean Gillon’s heart and soul belonged to his adopted country of Brazil. The country’s culture and revered architecture served as a muse for his mid-century furniture designs. Today Gillon ranks among the most interesting figures in Brazilian modernism, which is characterized by sensual forms and beautifully handcrafted chairs, tables and cabinets built from exotic hardwoods.

Gillon was born in Iasi and graduated from the city’s George Enescu National University of the Arts. He then moved to Paris, where he studied tapestry, worked at the newspaper Le Monde as a cartoonist and moonlighted as a set designer for the Paris Opera Ballet. He eventually left Paris for Vienna, where he studied architecture at the School of Industrial Arts, known today as the University of Applied Arts. In the early 1950s, Gillon was a visiting lecturer at London’s Central School of Arts and Crafts.

In 1956, Gillon moved with his wife and two daughters to São Paulo, where he developed a passion for Brazilian architecture, namely the work of modernists such as celebrated architect Lina Bo Bardi and designer José Zanine Caldas. Gillon took on interior decorating projects and formed the Fábrica de Móveis Cidam, which later became Italma Wood Art, in order to design furniture for his clients. Gillon’s furnishings, produced at Italma and also in collaboration with manufacturers such as Probel, were immensely popular and could be found in the planned capital city of Brasilia, a project launched in 1956 by Oscar Niemeyer.

Gillon designed everything from bowls and baskets to centerpieces, tables and other objects and furniture. However, he was best known for his lounge chairs and sofas, including his iconic Jangada chair. Named for the Portuguese word for traditional Brazilian fishing boats, the award-winning Jangada was framed in jacaranda in the late 1960s. The welcoming seat of Gillon’s visually striking trapezoidal lounge chair features plush leather cushions that are supported by nylon fishing rope.

Gillon continued to produce furniture for Italma Wood Art until he retired in 2003. He died in 2007, and today Gillon’s pieces remain highly covetable among interior designers and collectors of modern furniture.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Jean Gillon seating, decorative objects and serveware.

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Creator: Jean Gillon
Chic Vintage Leather Jean Gillon Amazonas Italma Brazilian Rosewood Sofa Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Chic vintage Jean Gillon Italma Brazilian leather and Rosewood Amazonas sofa. This sofa measures 85" W × 34" D × 30" H and the seat height is 14". Decal manufacturer's label to the ...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather, Rope

Jean Gillon "Tijuca" Sofa in Hardwood and Nylon Hammock, Brazil, 1970
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The 'Tijuca' sofa, by Romanian-Brazilian designer Jean Gillon, is probably one of the most iconic pieces to come out of his drawing boards. Using the sa...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Nylon, Faux Leather, Hardwood

Rare Pair Jean Gillon Rosewood Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman Probel Brazilian
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Rare pair Jean Gillon for Probel rosewood and leather lounge chairs and ottomans. The rosewood frames are in great condition with minor wear. The original beige leather is in good co...
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1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jean Gillon Mid Century Desk Chair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Countryside, IL
Jean Gillon mid century desk chair The chair measures: 23 wide x 26.25 deep x 35 high, with a seat height of 22.25 inches and arm he...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Jean Gillon Sofa Produced by Wood Art in Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Jean Gillon. Produced by Wood Art in Brazil.    
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Brass

Iconic Brazilian "Jangada" Lounge Chair by Jean Gillon in Jacaranda, 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in Houston, TX
Jean Gillon, 'Jangada' armchair and ottoman, rosewood, nylon rope, cognac leather, Brazil, 1968. This robust and hefty armchair is designed by Jean Gillon. The originality of this...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Jean Gillon Amazonas Sofa
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Italma Wood Art, Brazil Material: rosewood, rope, leather Size: 86 W × 35 D × 30 H in seat height 14 inches Decal manufacturer's label to interior of back stretcher...
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1970s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rope, Rosewood

Iron and Wood Chair by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
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1960s Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Iron

Jacaranda Wood Bowl by Jean Gillon for Italma/Georg Jensen, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Organically shaped bowl in Brazilian Jacaranda wood. Designed by Brazilian wood art icon Jean Gillon during the 1960s in a series for Italma and Georg Jensen in Denmark. Due to Cites...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Copa Lounge Chair, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Modern Design
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
These exquisite Copa lounge chairs, designed by the master Jean Gillon, are a testament to his genius in creating furniture that is both functional a...
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Early 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Stool Footrest Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find item by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon. This example is in fair condition, showing cosmetic wear and one tenon has been cracked and re-glued.
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rodeio Armchair, by Jean Gillon in Hardwood. Brazilian Midcentury Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The Rodeio armchair is an iconic piece that perfectly represents the main characteristics of Brazilian design as a school. It is one of the most outstanding creations of Jean Gillon,...
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Early 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Jean Gillion Executive Desk in Jacaranda Wood for Italma
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and rare desk designed by Jean Gillion for Italma made in Brazil, circa 1960s with chrome accents, freshly restored with a couple of small repair...
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20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Fabulous Brazilian Rosewood Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Probel
By Jean Gillon
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous Brazilian rosewood Jean Gillon Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Probel. This set is in remarkable vintage condition-came from a million dollar mansion in Washington D.C. The cha...
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1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Midcentury brazilian sofa in Wood with Leather, 60s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
We work with artisans who masterfully restore typical pieces from each period of our history, valuing their different preservation techniques. Teamwork has built this pioneering comp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Jean Gillon 1960s Brazilian Jacaranda Wood Three-Seat Sofa in Tan Suede
By Jean Gillon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully restored 1960s Jean Gillon three-seat sofa made of Brazilian jacaranda wood upholstered in tan suede.
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda, Suede, Wood

Jean Gillon Italma sideboard Brazil 1960
By Jean Gillon, Italma
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice and rare sideboard designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma, Brazil 1960. Made from patchwork rosewood veneer, which draws inspiration from designs by Jorge Zalsz...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Jean Gillon Rodeio sofa Italma Woodart Brazil 1965
By Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Typical Brazilian modern sofa model 'Rodeio' designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart, Brazil 1965. This sofa features a sturdy rosewood frame in a rich brown-red h...
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1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil Circa 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
The Brazilian Jangada Chair with ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon, embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication with a distinct touch of Brazilian craftsmanship. Inspired by th...
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1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rope, Hardwood

Tijuca Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil Circa 1960
By Jean Gillon
Located in San Diego, CA
The Brazilian Jangada Chair with ottoman, designed by Jean Gillon, embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication with a distinct touch of Brazilian craftsmanship. Inspired by th...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rope, Hardwood

Jean Gillion Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Tijuca Lounge Chair
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Designed by Jean Gillion for Italma of Brazil in the 1970s, this 'Tijuca'' lounge chair features a thick leather cushion supported by an intricately woven string hammock on a solid B...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Solid Wood Side Table, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Mid-Century Design Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The side table designed by Jean Gillon, a prominent figure in Brazilian mid-century modern design, showcases the elegant simplicity and innovative use of materials characteristic of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Jean Gillon "Rodeio" sofa, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.   Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather

Rare pair of Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.   Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was born in Lasi, Romania. In 1956, already possessing a consistent portfolio, he moved to São Paulo, where he dev...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather

Mid-20th Century 'Rodeio' Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Ava, MO
This is the kind of piece you can build a room around. Named the ‘Rodeio’ Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Jean Gillon for Italma WoodArt of Brazil. We chos...
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Rare Brazilian Sofa & Lounge Chairs Set by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Kensington, MD
Mid Century Modern as only the Brazilian designers do it! Rosewood frame with plush tufted leather cushions. Set includes a sofa and two lounge chairs. *Due to time, labor costs, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Midcentury Modern Side Table set in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian modern side table set in Hardwood designed by Jean Gillon in the 1960’s is nothing less than spectacular. Sizes: - Side Tables: H14.6, W25.6, D25.6 (in) H37, W65, D65 (cm) The entire set is made in Brazilian Rosewood (known as Jacaranda) and Rosewood leaf of the finest quality as it can be seen on the wood veins and grain. Each table consists of four legs and a tabletop. Sold as a set of three. The set has all the fun aspects of a bold Brazilian Modern piece: Clean and straight lines, exuberant Brazilian Jacaranda. A set like this could flex into any Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Contemporary, Transitional, or even Hollywood Regency environment. The gorgeous set is showcased in our gallery together with a sofa by Cimo in Leather and fabric and the convo looks stellar! (Image attached). The last images are vintage and contemporary publications, including Jean Gillon’s book. About the author, Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied at the Architecture and Fine arts Schools at the National University. He founded his first company Fábrica de Móveis Cidam in 1961 after emigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels throughout Brazil and homes and stores. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Wood

Brazilian Modern Coffee Table in Hardwood & Marble, Jean Gillon, 1968, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, in solid Rosewood and Marble designed by Jean Gillon in the 60s is nothing less than spectacular! What makes this coffee table so special is the sleek design iconic from Jean Gillon. The “stake” shape of the legs is seen in many of Gillon’s pieces, specially in the Rodeio collection. Attached images from Jean Gillons book featuring the iconic "Rodeio" collection including stools, coffee table, armchairs and sofa. This coffee table is so awesome that it looks fantastic in any furniture set we match it with. Currently the coffee table is showcased with a “Concha” set (Sofa, Armchairs) from Joaquim Tenreiro and it looks stellar. This piece would look incredible in any modern, Mid-Century Modern or contemporary environment. This piece would also look wonderful in a boho chic, or Hollywood Regency style home. Jean Gillon was a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studied at the Architecture and fine arts Schools at the National University. He founded his first company Fábrica de Móveis Cidam in 1961 after emigrating to São Paulo, Brazil in 1956. Gillon's firm designed many luxury hotels throughout Brazil and homes and stores. He was known for his one of a kind tapestries. His second furniture company, WoodArt, produced full lines of Brazilian rosewood furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Easy Chair by Jean Gillon Rosewood Suede, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Rare Brazilian rosewood easy chair by Jean Gillon from the 1960s. The chair has been refinished but has original suede cushions. The buyer receives the CITES permit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Suede, Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Jean Gillon Rosewood Suede, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Rare Brazilian rosewood sofa by Jean Gillon from the 1960s. The sofa has been refinished but has original suede cushions. The buyer receiv...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Suede, Rosewood

Jean Gillon, Leather Chair and Ottoman, Brazil, circa 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
With its slung arms, reclined seat, and plush, leather upholstery, this chair, created by Jean Gillon in the 1960s, possesses a quintessential Brazilian...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Brass

Parquet 1960s Brazilian Jacaranda Desk by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 1960s jacaranda desk by Jean Gillon with parquet top and six drawers.
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Furniture

Materials

Jacaranda

Jean Gillon furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Jean Gillon furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jean Gillon furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Jean Gillon were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Carlo Hauner, Móveis Cimo, and Geraldo de Barros. Prices for Jean Gillon furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $230 and can go as high as $51,995, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $8,500.

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