Jean Gillon Seating
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
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" Easy Chair, 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 Seating
Materials
Leather
Jean Gillon Tijuca / Amazonas Leather and Rosewood sofa for Italma
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Designed by Jean Gillion for Italma of Brazil in the 1970s, this 'Tijuca'' sofa features a thick leather cushion supported by an intricately woven string h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Rosewood
1970’s Jean Gillon for Probel Brazilian Modernist Rosewood and Leather Sofa
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Lutz, FL
1970’s Brazilian Modernist Taupe Leather and Rosewood Sofa designed by Jean Gillon for Probel. 3 Taupe Leather cushions, single piece cushions, right and left include armrest which d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Metal
Rare 'Jangada' Lounge Chair by Jean Gillon for Wood Art, Brazil, c. 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil, this extraordinary armchair designed by the iconic Jean Gillon i...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Jacaranda
Jean Gillon Leather Paddle Arm Chairs
By Jean Gillon
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fantastic large scale pair of Paddle leather armchairs by Jean Gillon - Brazil, circa 1960s
Dark wood frame with Wide paddle shaped arms and unique large nut & bolt joinery.
Buttery...
Category
1970s French Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Rosewood
By Jean Gillon, Italma, Italma Wood Art, Paltrona Frau
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Highly sought after and ultimately collectible, this beautiful example of a Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair and Ottoman is an EARLY model in RARE ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon Tijuca Chairs and Ottoman, a Set of 3
By Italma, Jean Gillon
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of Jean Gillon “Tijuca” chairs and ottoman consisting of two oversized chairs and an ottoman. These are increasingly more difficult to, e...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Jangada Arm Chair/ Lounger With Ottoman
By Jean Gillon
Located in Toronto, ON
An early Jangada arm chair with matching ottoman by Jean Gillon…” visionary furniture designer hailing from Romania and born in 1919, left an indelible mark on the world of design. H...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rope, Hardwood
Vintage Brazilian Jangada Chair by Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in Saint Paul, MN
This exquisite vintage Jangada chair by renowned designer Jean Gillon is the perfect addition to any home. Handcrafted with premium rosewood and halyard rope, this chair is both stur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Rare Pair of 'Jangada' Lounge Chairs & Ottoman by Jean Gillon, Brazil, c. 1960s
By wood art, Jean Gillon, Italma Wood Art
Located in Deland, FL
About: Attention collectors: Introducing an incredibly rare set of two restored "Jangada" chairs with matching ottoman. Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boat...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rope, Jacaranda
Jean Gillon bench with magazine rack Italma Brazil 1965
By Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Extremely rare 'banco revisteiro’ designed by Jean Gillon and manufactured by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1965. Beautiful slat bench made from solid rosewood with its red/brown warm ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Rosewood
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.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Brass
Brazilian Modern “Jangada” Armchair & Stool in Hardwood & Leather, Jean Gillon
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Brazilian Modern “Jangada” lounge chair with stool in hardwood & leather by Jean Gillon designed in the 1960s is absolutely gorgeous!
The chair's name, "Jangada," was named after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil. The “purplish” tone of the wood chair contrasts nicely with the iconic caramel leather upholstery, adding to its luxurious and elegant appearance.
The upholstery took three months to make and was done by some of the best upholsters in Rio de Janeiro following Gillon’s upholstery methodology (as is showcased in the vintage publications attached). Remains of the manufacturing seal can be seen in the wood base. The nets are new.
Owning a "Jangada '' lounge chair is not just about acquiring a beautiful piece of furniture; it's also about possessing a part of Brazilian design history and culture. This chair is a testament to Jean Gillon’s creativity and vision, and it would make an excellent addition to any interior space that values and appreciates the significance of this design.
Beyond its physical beauty and unique design, the "Jangada" lounge chair also embodies the Brazilian spirit, an specific aspect of Brazilian Modernism that can be seen in other brazilian icons like Sergio Rodrigues, the Tres Pies chair of Joaquim Tenreiro or the Canoa sofa of Liceu de Artes e Oficios.
The gorgeous set is showcased in our showroom next to a Novo Rumo rosewood credenza, a bar cart designed by Geraldo de Barros and the convo looks nothing less than spectacular
Size: H32.5, W36, D41.5, SH15.5 (in) H82.5, W91.4, D105.4, SH39.4 (cm)
Jean Gillon is a Brazilian furniture designer born in Romania in 1919. He studies 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 Seating
Materials
Leather, Natural Fiber, Hardwood, Wood
Brazilian Jangada Rosewood & Leather Sling Chair with Ottoman by Jean Gillon
By Percival Lafer, Sergio Rodrigues, Jean Gillon
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Jean Gillon Jangada armchair and ottoman were completely disassembled and each piece of rosewood was stripped, sanded and refinished in multiple coats of hand-buffed finishing o...
Category
1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Sofa in Hardwood & Leather by Jean Gillon, 1970, Brazil
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this very Brazilian modern sofa in black leather and hardwood designed by Jean Gillon in the seventies is simply spectacular!
This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind three sea...
Category
Mid-20th Century South American Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Jean Gillon Jangada MCM Brazilian Rosewood Leather Lounge Chairs Ottomans - Pair
By Jean Gillon
Located in Countryside, IL
Jean Gillon Jangada Mid Century Brazilian Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chairs with Ottomans - Pair
The chair measures: 40 wide x 41 deep x 36.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 inche...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Jangada with Ottoman Armchair By Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Nylon, Rosewood
'Amazonas' Rosewood Lounge Chair by Jean Gillon for Italma, Brazil, c. 1970s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing an ultra-rare "Amazonas" lounge chair designed by the incomparable Jean Gillon for Italma Wood Art. This now iconic chair is the epitome of Brazilian or Tropical Modern D...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Rosewood
BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A.
By Probel, Jean Gillon
Located in Buffalo, NY
BraziLIAN Rosewood and White Leather Sofa by Jean Gillon for Probel S.A... Classic Modernist 1970's design.. Extremely comfortable.. Superior quality and construction.Retains its o...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Jangada Chair by Jean Gillon, 1960's, Brazilian Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Culver City, CA
The Jangada Chair: A Brazilian Masterpiece With Stories to Tell
Let’s talk about the Jangada Chair; a stunning piece of functional art that’s as much a conversation starter as it is ...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Lounge Chairs in Solid Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Mid-century Design
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Jean Gillon Mid-Century Lounge Chairs: A Masterpiece of Brazilian Modernist Design
This pair of mid-century lounge chairs by Jean Gillon exemplifies the designer's unparalleled abili...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Fabric, 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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rope, Rosewood
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.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Wood
Mid-Century 1955 Vintage Jean Gillon Chaise Longue
By Jean Gillon
Located in London, GB
Jean Gillon (1919–2007) was a Brazilian designer of Jewish-Polish descent who became renowned for his work in furniture design and for his significant contributions to Brazilian mode...
Category
1950s Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
70’s Brazilian Black Leather & Chrome Office Chairs by Jean Gillon for Italma
By Italma Wood Art, Jean Gillon
Located in Hanover, MA
We have four of these 1970’s Brazilian height adjustable and swiveling executive office chairs in black leather and chrome designed by Jean Gillon for I...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Chrome
Rodeio Sofa in Hardwood, by Jean Gillon, Brazilian Midcentury Modern
By Jean Gillon
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exceptional "Rodeio" sofa, designed by renowned Brazilian modernist Jean Gillon in the 1960s, is a testament to the seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship and moderni...
Category
Late 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Leather, Suede
Jean Gillon Jangada Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Jacaranda & Leather, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Deland, FL
Named the "Jangada" chair, after the small rustic fishing boats used by fishermen along the northern coast of Brazil, this chair and ottoman set designed by the iconic Jean Gillon is...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Jacaranda
Rare sideboard by Jean Gillon, 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 Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Rare set of 10 Jean Gillon dining chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of 10 dining room chairs in original black leather by Jean Gillon, Brazil, 1960s.
Matching dining room table available.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather
Jean Gillon Déc chairs Italma Woodart Brazil 1968
By Jean Gillon
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
These four 'Déc' arm chairs, designed by the visionary Jean Gillon and meticulously crafted by Italma Woodart in Brazil in 1968, stand as rare treasures of mid-century design. This h...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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...
Category
1960s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Jean Gillon "Rodeio" ottoman, Brazil, 1960s
By Jean Gillon
Located in Stockholm, SE
Design Jean Gillion. Produced during the 1960s by Wood Art Brazil.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather
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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
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...
Category
1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Chrome
"Jangada" Lounge Armchair in Jacaranda by Jean Guillon for by Italma Woodart
By Jean Gillon
Located in Montreal, QC
"Jangada" Lounge Armchair with Ottoman in Jacaranda Designed by Jean Guillon and made by Italma Woodart Foil manufacturer's label to ottoman ‘WoodArt J...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Jacaranda
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,...
Category
Early 20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Jacaranda
1960s Leather Armachair by Jean Gillon for Probel, Brazil
By Jean Gillon, Probel
Located in London, GB
A 1960s cantilever armchair in good quality cognac leather on a hardwood frame by Jean Gillon for Problel.
Jean Gillon was born in Romania and studied at the Faculty of Architecture...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Jean Gillon, 2-seater sofa, c. 1970. Probel Label
By Jean Gillon
Located in PARIS, FR
The 2-seater sofa designed by Brazilian designer Jean Gillon is an elegant and comfortable piece. It consists of a solid wood frame, covered with a white cotton curly fabric. The fab...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jean Gillon Seating
Materials
Upholstery, 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 Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Leather
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 Seating
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
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 Seating
Materials
Brass
Jean Gillon seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Jean Gillon seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Carlo Hauner, Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, and José Zanine Caldas. Prices for Jean Gillon seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,400 and can go as high as $27,635, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $23,250.
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