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Sergio Rodrigues Mole Sheriff Sofa, Rosewood, Leather, 1960's

Creator: Sergio Rodrigues
Offered by: Habitat-Gallery

Description
This sofa is absolutely stunning! It’s one of those rare pieces that looks just as beautiful—if not more beautiful—from the back as it does from the front. It floats effortlessly in any space, which makes it a dream for designers and collectors alike.

This iconic design also comes with a wonderfully colorful history, so let’s shine a little light on it. Sergio Rodrigues, often referred to as the father of modern Brazilian design, was a prolific architect and designer who cared deeply about how people actually lived with furniture. His process was charmingly down-to-earth: he’d bring a new design home, and if the cook liked it, if his wife liked it, and even if the cat liked it—then he knew he was onto something. Comfort and customizability were always top priorities for him, and you can feel that spirit in this sofa. The adjustable leather straps allow you to fine-tune the seat, whether you prefer a firmer experience or a more relaxed, loungey feel.

The Mole was originally designed in 1957 and produced in 1958. Rodrigues himself believed it was one of the very first truly postmodern furniture designs—which may explain why it didn’t immediately catch on. In fact, its debut was met with a “bitter discouraging lack of interest.” The Mole spent nearly a year sitting in Oca’s shop window while onlookers dismissed it as an “expensive dog bed,” or complained that it resembled a “fried egg.” His business partners even wanted him to hide it in the back of the store. But Rodrigues held his ground; he knew the design was starting to find appreciation among “people of a certain cultural level.” The piece started to attract the attention of important figures, including Governor Carlos Lacerda, who insisted Sergio send the chair to a competition in Italy. Rodrigues agreed, though with little optimism about the outcome.

Initially, he was told the chair couldn’t compete, because its design was already “known” and a few years old. So he made one small adjustment—and that was enough for it to be accepted.

“Mole ended up taking first place in the 4th international furniture competition, in Cantu, Italy, in 1961. The European press highlighted, in various publications, as the casual atmosphere generated by the loose cushions thrown on the Sheriff chair structure, as it became known abroad. The award put Brazil in a prominent position in design on the world stage. The Sheriff name was given by the licensed manufacturer in Italy which went on to produce the chair.” — All excerpts taken with respect from Instituto Sergio Rodrigues Biography.

Whether you call it the Mole or the Sheriff, this sofa was designed to sprawl luxuriously—almost like something fit for a Sultan—while still being deeply, indulgently comfortable. Even in its own era, it was considered expensive. Made by hand from Jacaranda, also known as Brazilian Rosewood, this sofa and the Mole chair have since become true icons of design.

Fun fact: “Mole” wasn’t the original name. The factory workers came up with it themselves, as the word meant “soft” or “limp” in Portuguese. The earliest version from 1957 was simply called the Mole (a slightly more rigid structure), followed by the Mole Sheriff created in 1961 for the Italian competition, and then the Moleca. Each variation had only small adjustments—the Moleca, for example, could be disassembled and shipped flat.

This sofa is the perfect blend of comfort and style. It works beautifully in mid-century modern homes, Brazilian modern interiors, and contemporary spaces alike. We currently have it styled alongside a Finn Juhl cabinet and Gio Ponti lounge chairs—and while everything looks great together, this piece absolutely steals the show. Upholstered in black Italian leather, it’s an absolute knockout.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	Italy
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Leather, Rosewood, Fabric
Condition:	Good. The frame of this sofa is in original condition. The cushion of this sofa has been reupholstered. Wear consistent with age on straps.
Creation Date:	C. 1960's
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Brazilian Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	836052