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.
Find vintage Forma seating, tables and storage pieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Brazilian Modern Dining Chairs in Rosewood by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Troy, MI
Exceptional and rare set of dining chairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte Brazil circa 1956 Sculpted Brazilian rosewood frames w...
Cane, Rosewood
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern- Costela Armchairs by Hauner & Eisler, Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, SP
**Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Armchair for Forma, Brazil, 1953** Exceptional and highly rare original Costela armchair, designed by C...
Stainless Steel
Pair Mid Century Modern Leather sling safari chairs Carlo Hauner Forma Italy
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair Mid Century Modern Leather sling safari chairs designed by Carlo Hauner for Forma Made in Italy. Pair of Brown leather and off white Lacquer painted wood frame low sling safari ...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Iron, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron and green fabric lounge chair designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on iron frame consistent with age and use. Over...
Iron
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
Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Wood, Brazil, 1960s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-lacquered iron and white-painted wood lounge chairs or garden chairs designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1960s. Dramatic patina on metal frame...
Iron
Pair of Rattan Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Rattan and black-painted iron lounge chair designed by by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, produced in Brazil, c. 1950s.
Iron
Safari Armchairs by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1970s, set of 2
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of cognac leather and wood armchairs by Carlo Hauner. Seat height: 25 cm. Wear due to age and use. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Leather, Wood
Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Rattan, Steel, Forma, Brazil, c. 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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 chairs Brazil 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Pair of ‘Concha’ Lounge Chairs by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma Móveis, Brazil, 1955. Authentic Frames, Expertly Reupholstered in Sand Bouclé. A masterful balance of sculptural elegance and tactile comfort, this exceptional pair of Concha (Portuguese for “shell”) lounge chairs was designed in 1955 by the influential Brazilian-Italian duo Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma Móveis, a defining name in the modernist design movement of mid-century Brazil. The Concha chair...
Iron
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
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Bench from Forma Manufacture, Brazil, 1970s
By Forma
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Slatted bench produced in Brazil in the 1970s by Forma Manufacture. This beautiful piece's seating is composed of regularly arranged solid Brazilian hardwood slats, finished with n...
Wood
Armchair in Metal and Wood with ebony finish, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their company Forma, this armchair reflects a pivotal moment in Brazilian modernism during the country’s mid-century industrial expansi...
Metal, Iron
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
$22,541Sale Price / set|40% Off
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Sofa & Armchairs Lounge Set, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Whitstable, GB
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler midcentury sofa and armchairs; 1950s Sofa designed for their manufacturing company, Forma around 1955. This model is an icon of Brazilian midcentury design and was used to illustrate some advertisements for Forma in the 1950s. We offer the set of sofa and matching armchairs. They are stunning together. The set has been newly reupholstered in beautiful blue velvet, feet in imbuia wood, lacquered finish. Sofa Dimensions: H28.35, W76.78, D30.32 in H72, W195, D77 cm Armchairs Dimenions: H 28.35, W30.32, D30.32 in H72, W77, D77 cm The creative duo were the leading designers behind the Brazilian furniture company Forma, and produced many celebrated pieces of Brazilian midcentury design. Martin Eisler (1913-1977) was born in Vienna, and studied architecture in his country. Eisler left Europe in 1938 due to the rise of fascist regimes. He first lived in Buenos Aires, where he settled and worked as an architect and designer. There here...
Velvet, Hardwood
Carlo Hauner, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Iron, Brass, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted iron, brass and blue velvet lounge chairs designed by Carlo Hauner and produced by Forma, Brazil, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered a...
Brass, Iron
$19,269 / item
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Reversivel chair Forma 1950
By Martin Eisler, Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler ‘Reversível’ Lounge Chair by Forma Móveis, Brazil, 1950 is a Brazilian Icon of Sculptural Functionality. This extraordinary ‘Reversível’ lounge c...
Metal
Pair of “Pollock” Armchairs by Forma, Aluminum & Leather, Brazil, 1970s
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
A striking pair of “Pollock” armchairs produced by Forma in the 1970s, reflecting Brazil’s embrace of international corporate modernism. With polished aluminum bases and generously u...
Aluminum
$18,685 / item
Reversivel chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fauteuil Reversibel par Carlo Hauner et Martin Eisler pour Forma. Métal, laiton et textile Édition Forma Modèle créé vers 1955 H 68×L 103×P 71 cm Bibliographie : - M. Vasconcellos, ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Forma, White Bouclé, Caviúna Legs, 1960s
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
Manufactured by Forma in the 1960s, this sofa reflects the studio’s commitment to refined modern forms and high-quality materials during a formative period of Brazilian mid-century d...
Fabric, Hardwood
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Armchair by Forma, Iron Frame, Red Rope
By Forma
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of Brazilian mid-century experimentation, this 1950s armchair by Forma was originally conceived for outdoor use—where industrial materials met open-air living. T...
Iron
$1,120Sale Price / set|57% Off
H 27.75 in W 24 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Leather Safari Lounge Chairs - A Pair
Located in Esperance, NY
This is a great unique set of vintage Mid-Century Modern Chrome and Leather Safari Lounge Chairs. These are very unusual and are very comfortable.
Metal
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 26 in D 26 in
1960s Arne Norell Rosewood Leather Sling Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Scanform, Arne Norell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The Sirocco safari chair designed by Arne Norell in 1966. This example is in camel-colored leather; with two cushions and slings with brass fittings. Designed to breakdown for flat p...
Leather
$5,021 / set
H 26.78 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Safari Armchairs by Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1970s, set of 2
By Carlo Hauner, Forma
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of cognac leather and wood armchairs by Carlo Hauner. Seat height: 25 cm. Wear due to age and use. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Leather, Wood
Costela Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Black Lacquer
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
After Martin Eisler Carlo Hauner Costela style lounge chair in black lacquer. Originally designed by Martin Eisler in 1952 this is a...
Metal
$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
$10,500
H 31.5 in W 26.25 in D 29.5 in
Carlo Hauner Attribution, Lounge Chair, Wood, Brass, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, brass and light pink fabric lounge or slipper chair attributed to Carlo Hauner, Italy, c. 1950s. Light discoloration to wooden legs. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Over...
Brass
$89,700
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Costela Armchairs by Hauner & Eisler, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
The Costela armchair is an important Brazilian Mid-Century Modern piece. It was designed by Martin Eisler (1913 - 1977) in 1953 and manufactured by the companies Móveis Artesanal and...
Stainless Steel
$44,800 / set
H 31.5 in W 20.08 in D 18.51 in
Set of 4 Rosewood and Cane Dining Chairs Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are most known for well-shaped armchairs made in iron, but the production is far more complex, hand-crafted, and extensive. The wood pieces produced by...
Cane, Rosewood
$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 Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
$10,500
H 30 in W 29.5 in D 32 in
Pair of Rattan Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Rattan and black-painted iron lounge chair designed by by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, produced in Brazil, c. 1950s.
Iron
$6,500
H 31.3 in W 27.96 in D 30.32 in
Brazilian Modern Rocking Chair in Metal & Wicker by Carlo Hauner, c. 1950s
By Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
A refined study in movement and line, this rocking chair by Carlo Hauner captures the designer’s enduring pursuit of structural lightness and organic continuity. Conceived as a singl...
Iron
$15,000 / set
H 34.26 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
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...
Leather, Straw, Rosewood
Martin Eisler for Forma Pair of Bar Stools in Red Leather
By Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Eisler for Forma, pair of bar stools, brass, metal, leather, Brazil, 1950s. Pair of bar stools by Martin Eisler in the 1950s. The pair of bar stools has a conspicuous form,...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 32.68 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Costela Lounge chairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in bruxelles, BE
2 Costela lounge chairs in wood, metal legs and curly fabric cushions by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner. Seat height: 48 cm. Wear due to time and age of the lounge chairs. FOR SHIPP...
Metal
Reversivel chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Fauteuil Reversibel par Carlo Hauner et Martin Eisler pour Forma. Métal, laiton et textile Édition Forma Modèle créé vers 1955 H 68×L 103×P 71 cm Bibliographie : - M. Vasconcellos, ...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.56 in D 33.47 in
Brazilian Design Costela Lounge Chairs by Hauner & Eisler for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Renens, CH
The Costela (Rib) chairs and sofas by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler became an instant success after their introduction in the Brazilian market, and it wasn’t for long that productio...
Metal
Eisler & Hauner ‘Bone’ Bench/ottoman in Imbuia wood and Fabric
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in amstelveen, NL
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner for Forma, bench model 'Bone', Imbuia, Brazil, 1960s. This ‘Bone’ bench is designed by Brazilian designer duo Eisler and Hau...
Fabric, Imbuia
Pair of Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of “concha” (shell) armchair designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, manufactured by Forma in Brazil in the earlies 1950. The structure is made of solid steel, the ergonomic...
Steel
Sold
H 35.44 in W 35.44 in D 27.56 in
Carlo Hauner Wingback Wrought Iron Lounge Chair, Brazilian Modern, Early 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Rare and beautiful lounge chair, designed by Carlo Hauner for Móveis Artesanal in the early 1950s. Sharing some particularities with other prototypical designs from his early day...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Concha Lounge Chairs Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning and fully original pair of 'Concha' (shell) lounge chairs designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and manufactured by Forma Moveis, Brazil 1950. These chairs have a solid...
Metal
Sold
H 35.44 in W 70.87 in D 26.38 in
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Attributed Garden Chairs, Brazil, 1960
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning pair of lounge chairs attributed to Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, manufactured by Forma, Brazil 1960. These solid steel lounge chairs were originally white painted and rep...
Steel
Eisler and Hauner Costela Lounge Chairs Forma, Italy, 1960
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful and iconic 'Costela' lounge chairs designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and manufactured by Forma, Italy 1960. This is the European version of the Costela chairs, man...
Metal, Brass
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Wooden Costela Chairs for Forma
By Carlo Hauner, Forma, Martin Eisler
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Costela chairs designed by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma (Brazil, 1950). Seating with a structure in lacquered iron and solid wood. Two chairs are available.
Iron
Sold
H 31.89 in W 27.56 in D 34.45 in
Pair of Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner Costela Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of original Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner Costela lounge chairs, Italy, 1950s. Upholstery options available.
Iron