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 Sérgio Rodrigues, vintage Forma is making a major comeback today.
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.
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, explore Forma seating, tables and storage pieces.
Rare 'Costela' Lounge Chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1954
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Antwerp, BE
These extraordinary lounge chairs represent an original and very rare piece of Brazilian design history. Designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner in 1954 for the renowned company F...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Concha Armchairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler 1953
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
These armchairs are a gorgeous version of Concha, one of the most iconic pieces designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, with a single seat and backrests made with wicker. "Conch...
Iron
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...
Metal
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Pair of Midcentury Brazilian White Lounge Chairs
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
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...
Metal
$17,802
H 33.08 in W 27.56 in D 33.08 in
Brazilian Lounge Chair Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner - "Costela" Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This rare Costela Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, produced by Forma in the 1950s, features solid wood ribs paired with a vintage leopard-patterned teddy fabric. A tru...
Steel
$40,600
H 29.3 in W 28.35 in D 31.5 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner "Costela" Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1953
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the c...
Steel
$21,295
H 66 in W 71 in D 102 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Model "Reversible" modern Brazilian armchair 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler(1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Reversible” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Iron structure, brass, cotton upholstery Measurements: 10...
Iron
$16,800
H 31.03 in W 26.78 in D 29.73 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner "Costela" Lounge Chair, Midcentury Brazil, 1953
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an iconic Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the companies Móveis Artesanal and Fo...
Fabric, Hardwood
$35,000 / set
H 27.16 in W 30.31 in D 29.52 in
Rare Forma armchairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, BR
This particular piece showcases a rare design crafted by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in 1955. Though Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are primarily known for their well-s...
Wood
$8,900 / set
H 31 in W 27.5 in D 28 in
Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Steel, Forma, Brazil, c. 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and steel lounge chairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1955. Seat Height (inches): 15" All items ship from High Poin...
Steel
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Concha Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1950
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in San Francisco, CA
An original 'Concha' (shell) lounge chair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and manufactured by Forma Moveis, Brazil 1950. Chair has a solid steel structure and upholstered...
Metal
$28,674 / set
H 28.35 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs wood and velvet
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Pair of armchairs Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Caviuna wood legs, velvet and cotton upholstery Measurements: 77 cm x 77 cm x 72 H cm. 30.3 in x 30.3 in x 28.3 H in. Literature: Casa & Jardim, 1956. Nº 92 Details: Belonging to a three pieces set of sofa and two armchairs.
Upholstery, Wood
$17,347
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 29.14 in
Pair of "Concha" Armchairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Brasil, 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Echt, NL
Set of beautiful ‘Concha’ chairs in very good condition. Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in 1955 Manufactured by Forma Moveis, Brazil The ch...
Metal
$22,103 / set
H 31.5 in W 33.47 in D 61.03 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Rattan Lounge Chairs Brazil 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs in rattan by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, made by Forma Móveis in Brazil in 1955. The chairs are in fully original condition and have never been ...
Metal
Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil 1950s.
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of armchairs designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, manufactured by Forma S/A in Brazil in the earlies 1950. The structure is made of solid painted steel. The characteristi...
Iron
$3,106
H 35.44 in W 26.38 in D 22.05 in
Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Mod. PL22 for OCA Brazil, 1960s
By OCA Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Berlin, DE
PL22 folding chair, designed by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for OCA in 1960s Brazil. The frame, crafted from solid tropical hardwood, shows a rich patina and light age-related wear,...
Leather, Nutwood
Eisler and Hauner Bone Chair with Ottoman
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, in rosewood and metal by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, 1950s. 'Bone' chair by Brazilian designer duo Eisler and Hauner. This design has been produced ...
Steel
Sold
H 28 in W 31 in D 31 in
Original Costela Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Martin Eisler and Carl
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Costela Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for their joint venture known as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The name "Costela," mea...
Metal
Sold
H 31 in W 30.5 in D 32.75 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner 'Concha' Lounge Chairs for Forma, Brazil, c 1960
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully reupholstered with soft furry taupe colored sheepskin, this pair of 'Concha' chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, encapsulates the quality and inno...
Iron
Sold
H 30.5 in W 27 in D 29.5 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner 'Concha' Lounge Chairs for Forma, Brazil, c 1960
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully reupholstered with soft nubby white bouclé, this pair of 'Concha' chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, encapsulates the quality and innovation of t...
Iron
Sold
H 31 in W 30.5 in D 32.75 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner 'Concha' Lounge Chairs for Forma, Brazil, c 1960
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully reupholstered with soft furry taupe colored sheepskin, this pair of 'Concha' chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner...
Iron
Sold
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 30.32 in
Pair of Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Shell Chairs for Forma, Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in London, GB
The emerging interest in Brazilian design and manufacturing is palpable across both contemporary and midcentury design. The Shell lounge chair is establishing itself as an icon of th...
Metal
Sold
H 34.25 in W 29.75 in D 33.25 in
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner Rare 'Concha' Armchair for Forma Brazil, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Just arrived from Rio de Janeiro, this rare 1950s armchair by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma Brazil encapsulates the quality and innovation of their designs. This elegant 'Concha' scoop arm chair with its slightly reclined back and angular wing arms are a rare version of the design, perfect for a collector client who wants rare, unique and special. This rare Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Concha...
Metal
Sold
H 31.89 in W 27.96 in D 28.35 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Chair for Forma, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela (‘Rib’) chair for Forma, Brazil 1950s This characteristic chair by Carlo Hauner and Ma...
Linen, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 28.75 in D 29.93 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Shell 'Concha' Lounge Chairs, Forma Brazil, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare authentic pair of Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Shell (Concha) lounge chairs, manufactured by Forma Brazil, 1950s. Measures: 78 H x 73 W x 76 D cm. In good original condition...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 28.75 in L 29.53 in
Martin Eisler "Costela" Lounge Chair in Black Iron, Ebonized Wood, Brazil, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Classic design by Eisler, this chair has tubular iron structure and ebonized wood slats to form seat and back. The cushions still have the original filling, the fabric shows wear but...
Iron
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Shell Chair
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in London, GB
The emerging interest in Brazilian design and manufacturing is palpable across both contemporary and mid-century design. The Shell lounge chair is establishing itself as an icon of t...
Metal
Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner Scoop Chair for Forma, Brazil, circa 1960
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Recently imported from a private collector in Brazil, this arm chair by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, Brazil, encap...
Metal