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An exceptional vintage “Rodeio” easy chair and matching ottoman designed by Jean Gillon, Brazil, circa 1960s. Sculptural, substantial, and remarkably comfortable, the Rodeio is one of Gillon’s most recognizable designs and a compelling example of the bold materiality associated with Brazilian Mid-Century Modern furniture.
The chair is constructed from richly figured Brazilian rosewood, with an exposed architectural frame that is beautiful from every angle. Long, dramatically tapered legs extend upward to form the arms and rear supports, giving the substantial lounge chair an unexpectedly light and elegant profile. The matching ottoman repeats the same sculptural rosewood construction, creating a cohesive pair.
One of the most distinctive elements of the Rodeio is its use of wide leather support straps. Visible along the sides and across the back, the straps suspend the generously proportioned cushions within the wooden frame rather than concealing their structure. Brass buckles at the upper back add another beautiful functional detail and reinforce the chair’s handcrafted, almost equestrian character.
The photographs show the chair in its original vintage leather prior to restoration, offering an important record of its original construction, upholstery pattern, tufting, proportions, and details.
This example is currently in the process of restoration by Hobbs Modern. The Brazilian rosewood frame will be carefully restored to bring back the depth, grain, and original luster of the wood while preserving the integrity of the vintage construction. The leather upholstery and strapping can also be completely restored in new leather selected by the client, making this an ideal opportunity to customize the chair for a particular interior or design project. We can work with the buyer to select an appropriate leather color and finish while maintaining the character of Gillon’s original design.
The deeply tufted seat and back, generously padded arm cushions, suspended construction, and coordinating ottoman give the Rodeio an unusually relaxed quality. At the same time, its exposed rosewood structure and leather strapping make the chair visually striking from the front, side, and especially the back—an important quality for a lounge chair intended to float within a room.
Jean Gillon’s work occupies a distinctive place within Brazilian modernism, combining luxurious native hardwoods with leather and expressive, highly visible construction. The Rodeio embodies this approach particularly well: rustic in its materials yet sophisticated in its proportions, with craftsmanship becoming part of the visual language of the chair itself.
A rare and highly collectible Jean Gillon Rodeio lounge chair and ottoman, ideally suited to collectors of Brazilian modern design and interiors featuring the work of designers such as Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, Percival Lafer, and Joaquim Tenreiro.
Details:
Dimensions: 31" D x 41" W x 30" H Seat Hieght: 15.5" H
Designer: Jean Gillon
Model: Rodeio
Origin: Brazil
Period: 1960s
Materials: Brazilian rosewood, leather, brass hardware
Includes: Easy chair and matching ottoman
Condition: Currently undergoing restoration
Upholstery: Custom leather color available by client selection
Wood: Rosewood frame will be professionally restored to bring back its original depth and luster
An exceptional vintage “Rodeio” easy chair and matching ottoman designed by Jean Gillon, Brazil, circa 1960s. Sculptural, substantial, and remarkably comfortable, the Rodeio is one of Gillon’s most recognizable designs and a compelling example of the bold materiality associated with Brazilian Mid-Century Modern furniture.
The chair is constructed from richly figured Brazilian rosewood, with an exposed architectural frame that is beautiful from every angle. Long, dramatically tapered legs extend upward to form the arms and rear supports, giving the substantial lounge chair an unexpectedly light and elegant profile. The matching ottoman repeats the same sculptural rosewood construction, creating a cohesive pair.
One of the most distinctive elements of the Rodeio is its use of wide leather support straps. Visible along the sides and across the back, the straps suspend the generously proportioned cushions within the wooden frame rather than concealing their structure. Brass buckles at the upper back add another beautiful functional detail and reinforce the chair’s handcrafted, almost equestrian character.
The photographs show the chair in its original vintage leather prior to restoration, offering an important record of its original construction, upholstery pattern, tufting, proportions, and details.
This example is currently in the process of restoration by Hobbs Modern. The Brazilian rosewood frame will be carefully restored to bring back the depth, grain, and original luster of the wood while preserving the integrity of the vintage construction. The leather upholstery and strapping can also be completely restored in new leather selected by the client, making this an ideal opportunity to customize the chair for a particular interior or design project. We can work with the buyer to select an appropriate leather color and finish while maintaining the character of Gillon’s original design.
The deeply tufted seat and back, generously padded arm cushions, suspended construction, and coordinating ottoman give the Rodeio an unusually relaxed quality. At the same time, its exposed rosewood structure and leather strapping make the chair visually striking from the front, side, and especially the back—an important quality for a lounge chair intended to float within a room.
Jean Gillon’s work occupies a distinctive place within Brazilian modernism, combining luxurious native hardwoods with leather and expressive, highly visible construction. The Rodeio embodies this approach particularly well: rustic in its materials yet sophisticated in its proportions, with craftsmanship becoming part of the visual language of the chair itself.
A rare and highly collectible Jean Gillon Rodeio lounge chair and ottoman, ideally suited to collectors of Brazilian modern design and interiors featuring the work of designers such as Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, Percival Lafer, and Joaquim Tenreiro.
Details:
Dimensions: 31" D x 41" W x 30" H Seat Hieght: 15.5" H
Designer: Jean Gillon
Model: Rodeio
Origin: Brazil
Period: 1960s
Materials: Brazilian rosewood, leather, brass hardware
Includes: Easy chair and matching ottoman
Condition: Currently undergoing restoration
Upholstery: Custom leather color available by client selection
Wood: Rosewood frame will be professionally restored to bring back its original depth and luster
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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