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Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Forma began in São Paulo, under the leadership of Italian designer Carlo Hauner and Austrian architect and interior designer Martin Eisler. Hauner studied drawing and technical drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan. After participating in the Venice Biennale, he emigrated to São Paulo, where he established the furniture manufacturer Móveis Artesanal, for which Carlo and Martin — as well as Carlo’s brother Ernesto Hauner — would create a range of pieces for the home.

In 1936, Eisler earned a degree in architecture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, where he studied under Oskar Strnad and Clemens Holzmeister. With World War II looming, he left Austria immediately after graduating. He first went to Czechoslovakia, to which some of his family had already fled. In 1938, he moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and opened his interior design firm Interieur Forma.

Eisler relocated to Brazil in the early 1950s, where he met Hauner. At the time, Eisler had been looking for help producing furniture for his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf, and contacted Hauner. The two found that they had a shared vision, and with financial help from Wolf, they opened Galeria Artesanal as a storefront for Móveis Artesanal.

Looking to expand into international sales, the duo rebranded the company Forma. Sérgio Rodrigues, who helped launch a branch of Artesanal in Curitiba, was put in charge of interiors at Forma. That company soon became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture — it sold its own sculptural rattan lounge chairs, bookcases and other case pieces crafted with rosewood or jacaranda, and Forma was eventually distributing furniture licensed from iconic American manufacturer Knoll, thereby bringing works by noted designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian market.

Forma stands at the forefront of a revival of Brazilian modern furniture. Fashioned from high-grade regionally sourced hardwoods, leather and iron, even Forma's earliest creations have stood the test of time. The company’s alluring mid-century modern works appealed to homeowners at its peak, from the 1950s through the ’70s, and given the broadening interest in Brazilian furniture and the likes of designers such as Rodrigues, vintage Forma is making a major comeback today. 

The Forma furniture company continued producing masterfully crafted furniture into the 1970s, until Eisler's death in 1977. Forma folded soon after, but Eisler's company in Argentina, Interieur Forma, is still in business today.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler furniture for sale.

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Creator: Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazilian Mid-century Chaise Lounge Cream Upholster
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Chaise longue Manufactured by Forma Brasil Brazil, 1958 Sculptural iron, upholstery. Measurements: 161.3 cm x 62.2 cm x 81.3 H cm. 63.5 in x 24.5 in x 32 H in. Literature: Aric Chen, Brazil Modern the rediscovery of twentieth-century brazilian furniture. The Monacelli Press, New York 2016, reproduite page 208 Provenance: Familia Niomar Muniz Sodré Bittencourt. Beside Carlos Hauner, Martin Eisler (1913­-1977) was the founder for the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. He was born in Vienna, Austria, and studied architecture in his country. In 1938 he moved to Buenos Aires. After meeting Carlos Hauner in Brazil, he started traveling there frequently to collaborate on designs and, they founded Forma to sell their own designs as well as pieces licensed from Knoll International. Eisler also opened Forma in Buenos Aires, along with partners Arnold Hakel and Susi Aczel...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Iron

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Armchair, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This beautiful armchair was designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for "Forma". It is definitely a very elegant piece with clean lines and a sculptural feeling. Because of Its organic shape, it is super comfortable. The legs of the armchair are made of solid hardwood and it has a beautiful patina. This piece was carefully reupholstered and restored by one of the best craftsmen in São Paulo. Martin Eisler (1913-1977) and Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) were the main designers creating for the iconic Brazilian furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Brazilian Design
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
A rare piece designed by Carlo Hauner for "Moveis Artesanal," circa 1948. This chair it’s an icon and illustrates the logotype of the company. The structure is made of iron remains i...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Leather, Straw, Rosewood

Pair of “Shell” Armchairs
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler were influential Brazilian furniture designers who collaborated in the mid-20th century. They played a significant role in the development of modern Br...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of High Armchair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Brazilian Design
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma S.A Móveis e Objetos de Arte in circa 1960. A modern Brazilian armchair made in the curved iron structure and recently upholster...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Iron

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazilian Mid-century Design White upholstered Sofa
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) and Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Sofa Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Black painted metal, white/cream fabric upholstery...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Brazilian "Concha" Armchair Burnt Sunset Red
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Shell” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950 Iron structure, fabric upholstery Measurements 70 cm x 78 cm x 74h cm. 28 in x 27,5 in x 31h in. Literature Brasilian modern: The rediscovery of twentieth-century Brazilian furniture. Aric Chen. Brasil, 2016. Pag 217,128 Martin Eisler (Vienna, Austria, 1913 - São Paulo, Brazil, 1977), was an architect and furniture designer. He was part of a group of European architects and designers who left Europe during the chaos of the Second World War and went to live and work in Brazil. Eisler stood out amongst this group of creatives, his work was at the forefront of modern furniture design in Brazil which flourished through the 50s and 60s in the region. The work of Martin Eisler in partnership with Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) was of particular significance. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Argentina, where he was settled and worked as an architect, set designer and interior designer, he opened up an interior design firm Interieur Forma. In 1940, he married Rosl Wolf, the daughter of German immigrants. Born in Brescia in 1927, Carlo Hauner studied technical drawing and drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. In 1948 he successfully participated in the Venice Biennale after which he moved to Brazil, where he dedicated himself to the design of textile, ceramics, furniture and architecture. In only a very short time he founded a furniture production company and purchased a factory from Lina Bo Bardi and her husband Pietro Bardi, renaming it Móveis Artesanal. In 1953 Hauner met Martin Eisler, who was looking for help to produce furniture for the home of his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf. Eisler reached out to Hauner and the rest is history. The two men connected and with Wolf’s financial backing, they opened Galeria Artesanal (a store for their company Móveis Artesenal) on a busy street in São Paulo. Being highly ambitious and with an eye on the international market as well as the upcoming office market, Móvies Artesanal later changed into Forma. Along with Oca, Forma became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture production. Even managing to attract an exclusive license to sell Knoll furniture, bringing big names in international design such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian furniture market. Hauner and Eisler’s designs are characterized by the use of Brazilian woods, thin tubular frames and a range from furniture, to ceramics and textiles. Some of their most famous designs are the “rib” lounge chair...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Iron

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Pair of Midcentury Brazilian White Lounge Chairs
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Pair of lounge chairs Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Black painted metal, fabric upholstery Measurements 65 cm x 64 cm x 90 H cm. 25.5 in x 25 in x 35.4 H in. Literature Brazil Modern, the rediscovery of 20th century Brazilian furniture – Aric Chen, 2016. Beside Carlos Hauner, Martin Eisler(1913­1977) was the founder for the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. He was born in Vienna, Austria, and studied architecture in his country. In 1938 he moved to Buenos Aires. After meeting Carlos Hauner in Brazil, he started traveling there frequently to collaborate on designs and, they founded Forma to sell their own designs as well as pieces licensed from Knoll International. Eisler also opened Forma in Buenos Aires, along with partners Arnold Hakel and Susi Aczel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Pair of Purple Velvet Armchairs with Ottomans
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Set of armchair and footrest Manufactured by Forma Moveis,  Brazil, 1950 Iron structure, fabric upholstery Pair of purple velvet Mid-century modern velvet armchairs made in Brazil. Measurements: 100 cm x 60 cm x 70 H cm (armchair) 39.37 in x 23.62 in x 27.56 H in (armchair) Literature Brasilian modern: The rediscovery of 20th century Brazilian furniture. Aric Chen. Brasil, 2016. Pag 217,128 (similar model). Martin Eisler (Vienna, Austria, 1913 - São Paulo, Brazil, 1977), was an architect and furniture designer. He was part of a group of European architects and designers who left Europe during the chaos of the Second World War and went to live and work in Brazil. Eisler stood out amongst this group of creatives, his work was at the forefront of modern furniture design in Brazil which flourished through the 50s and 60s in the region. The work of Martin Eisler in partnership with Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) was of particular significance. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Argentina, where he was settled and worked as an architect, set designer and interior designer, he opened up an interior design firm Interieur Forma. In 1940, he married Rosl Wolf, the daughter of German immigrants. Born in Brescia in 1927, Carlo Hauner studied technical drawing and drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. In 1948 he successfully participated in the Venice Biennale after which he moved to Brazil, where he dedicated himself to the design of textile, ceramics, furniture and architecture. In only a very short time he founded a furniture production company and purchased a factory from Lina Bo Bardi and her husband Pietro Bardi, renaming it Móveis Artesanal. In 1953 Hauner met Martin Eisler, who was looking for help to produce furniture for the home of his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf. Eisler reached out to Hauner and the rest is history. The two men connected and with Wolf’s financial backing, they opened Galeria Artesanal (a store for their company Móveis Artesenal) on a busy street in São Paulo. Being highly ambitious and with an eye on the international market as well as the upcoming office market, Móvies Artesanal later changed into Forma. Along with Oca, Forma became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture production. Even managing to attract an exclusive license to sell Knoll furniture, bringing big names in international design such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian furniture market. Hauner and Eisler’s designs are characterized by the use of Brazilian woods, thin tubular frames and a range from furniture, to ceramics and textiles. Some of their most famous designs are the “rib” lounge chair...
Category

1950s Brazilian Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Iron

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Brazilian Pair of Low Armchairs White Fabric
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Pair of low armchairs Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Black painted metal, fabric upholstery. Measurements 70 cm x 53 cm x 71 H cm. 27.5 in x 21 in x 28 H in. Literature Brazil Modern, the rediscovery of 20th century Brazilian furniture – Aric Chen, 2016. Martin Eisler (Vienna, Austria, 1913 - São Paulo, Brazil, 1977), was an architect and furniture designer. He was part of a group of European architects and designers who left Europe during the chaos of the Second World War and went to live and work in Brazil. Eisler stood out amongst this group of creatives, his work was at the forefront of modern furniture design in Brazil which flourished through the 50s and 60s in the region. The work of Martin Eisler in partnership with Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) was of particular significance. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Argentina, where he was settled and worked as an architect, set designer and interior designer, he opened up an interior design firm Interieur Forma. In 1940, he married Rosl Wolf, the daughter of German immigrants. Born in Brescia in 1927, Carlo Hauner studied technical drawing and drawing at the Brera Academy in Milan, Italy. In 1948 he successfully participated in the Venice Biennale after which he moved to Brazil, where he dedicated himself to the design of textile, ceramics, furniture and architecture. In only a very short time he founded a furniture production company and purchased a factory from Lina Bo Bardi and her husband Pietro Bardi, renaming it Móveis Artesanal. In 1953 Hauner met Martin Eisler, who was looking for help to produce furniture for the home of his brother-in-law, Ernesto Wolf. Eisler reached out to Hauner and the rest is history. The two men connected and with Wolf’s financial backing, they opened Galeria Artesanal (a store for their company Móveis Artesenal) on a busy street in São Paulo. Being highly ambitious and with an eye on the international market as well as the upcoming office market, Móvies Artesanal later changed into Forma. Along with Oca, Forma became one of the biggest names in Brazilian furniture production. Even managing to attract an exclusive license to sell Knoll furniture, bringing big names in international design such as Mies Van Der Rohe, Charles Eames and Harry Bertoia to the Brazilian furniture market. Hauner and Eisler’s designs are characterized by the use of Brazilian woods, thin tubular frames and a range from furniture, to ceramics and textiles. Some of their most famous designs are the “rib” lounge chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Brazilian Lounge Chair Model "Shell" White
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Shell” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Black painted metal, white fabric upholstery. A Mid-Century modern Brazilian Armchair by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner designed in 1955. The chairs are upholstered in a cream/white fabric with black painted metal legs. Measurements 74 cm x 77,5 cm x 78h cm. 29,1 in x 30,5 in x 30,7h in. Literature Móvel moderno Brasileiro, Marcelo Vasconcellos, Aeroplano, P. 201 Desenho da Utopia, Brazilian Modern Furnitures...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Brazilian Large Armchair White fabric metal
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair, part of set with sofa Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950s Black painted metal, fabric upholstery Measur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare Side Table by Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare Side Table by Carlo Hauner
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Trolley by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Trolley by Martin Eisler
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Trolley by Martin Eisler
Trolley by Martin Eisler
Price Upon Request
Trolley by Tapeçaria Schulz
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Trolley by Tapeçaria Schulz
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Sideboard by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare sideboard by Martin Eisler
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Sideboard by Martin Eisler
Sideboard by Martin Eisler
Price Upon Request
Rare Sideboard by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare and iconic sideboard by Martin Eisler c. 1955.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Cane, Hardwood

Rare pair of chairs by Carlo Hauner for Moveis Artesanal
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare pair by Carlo Hauner for Moveis Artesanal.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Rare pair of chairs by Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare pair by Carlo Hauner for FORMA. Reupholster in Loro Piana Fabric.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Chaise
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely Rare Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Produced by Forma. A striking piece featuring a delicate steel frame with brass feet and organically sculpted wooden ar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare credenza by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Extremely rare bench credenza by Martin Eisler c. 1950 for Moveis Artesanal.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Cane

Rare coffee table by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Rare coffee table designed by Martin Eisler for FORMA S/A in Cavina Wood and glass top.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Glass

Side table by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Side table designed by Martin Eisler for FORMA S/A in Ivory Wood and glass top.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Side table by Martin Eisler
Side table by Martin Eisler
Price Upon Request
Pair of Rare slatted bench by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Extremely rare bench created by Martin Eisler c. 1950 for Moveis Artesanal.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Side Table by Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Iconic table created by Martin Eisler.
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Side Table by Martin Eisler
Side Table by Martin Eisler
Price Upon Request

Carlo Hauner And Martin Eisler furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler 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 Joaquim Tenreiro, Carlo Hauner, and Giuseppe Scapinelli. Prices for Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,700 and can go as high as $110,676, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $16,444.

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