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.
Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in New York, NY
A Caviúna record player produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, with designs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This record player has two hanging doors...
Hardwood
$1,650
H 13 in W 22 in D 18 in
Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.
Metal
$5,652
H 28 in W 28.8 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Console Record Player attributed to Ico Parisi design
By Ico Parisi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This rare 1940s record player cabinet by LESA (Laboratori Elettrotecnici Società Anonima), Milan, represents a refined fusion of Italian craftsmanship and early modernist design. The piece features: A solid wood frame veneered in exquisite walnut burl, with striking natural grain patterns that add depth and character. Ebonized trim that highlights the clean geometry and subtle curves of the cabinet. Slender, tapered legs typical of Italian furniture design of the period, lending the piece a light, elegant stance. A functional 78 rpm turntable integrated into the cabinet, with original metal and bakelite components. The mechanism is in working condition. A drop-front door that conceals the turntable when closed, preserving the cabinet’s sleek aesthetic. A lower shelf suitable for storing records or accessories. LESA, founded in 1929 in Milan, was a leading Italian producer of phonographs, radios and hi-fi components. The company was known for combining technical innovation with stylish furniture integration, making pieces like this a hallmark of mid-century Italian domestic design. 🌟 Why acquire this piece Functional art: This cabinet is not only a piece of furniture, but also a working vintage audio device, providing authentic 78 rpm playback in its original form. Historical value: An original example of LESA’s craftsmanship from the 1940s — a brand that was once a market leader in Italian hi-fi. Aesthetic appeal: The combination of walnut burl, ebonized details and streamlined form makes it a perfect fit for Art Deco, mid-century modern, or eclectic interiors. Conversation piece: Its rare combination of furniture and audio technology will attract attention and admiration in any setting. Investment: Well-preserved vintage audio furniture by noted manufacturers is increasingly sought-after by collectors and interior designers. Cabinet Console of the 1940s in burr walnut and walnut flame applied veneered. Cabinet with two shelves, the upper with central flap drawer with internal turntable Record...
Walnut
1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!
Metal
Phonograph, Radio Cabinet and Record Players
Located in Beaune, FR
Music or phonograph cabinet making radio and record player. It is made of veneer and nicely carved.
Wood, Fruitwood
19th Century Watch Winding Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible, one-of-a-kind watch display cabinet brings together the beauty of an antique with the functionality of modern technology. Crafted of mahogany, this 19th century jewelry display cabinet...
Mahogany
$2,667
H 43.71 in W 47.25 in D 16.93 in
Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s
By Siemens
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s The radio is in fully functional. Dimensions: 43 D x 120 W x 111 H It is in good vintage condition, however,...
Wood, Teak
Early 20th Century Asian Style Petite Pipe and Tobacco Cabinet
Located in Doylestown, PA
Asian style petite pipe and tobacco cabinet, early 20th century. This Ming style cabinet features a single tiger maple panel door with original Fen...
Brass
Playbox Record Player stereo by Philips and Medea, 1974
By Philips, Medea
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stereo that can be closed to cube shape and opened by moving the baffles apart. It includes a record player and 8-track cassette player. It is also possible to connect the telephone ...
Metal
$12,092
H 29.14 in W 47.64 in D 14.38 in
Record Player Brionvega by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brussels, BE
Record Player Brionvega by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1960s
Wood
$3,500
H 40.75 in W 26 in D 17.5 in
Unusual Early American Quack Medicine Thompson-Plaster Electric Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Thompson-Plaster electrical cabinet, by Physician's Specialty Company, Leesburg, Virginia, United States. The historic turn of the late 19th / early 20th century quack medicine machine used a violent ray electrotherapy apparatus as a cure-all, claiming to cure numerous ailments, cancers, and more. Featuring the original oak framed glazed glass-covered marble top for use with 'medical' instruments, atop quartersawn oak chest fitted with three graduated drawers, opening to reveal various associated equipment and supplies, including blown glass evacuated tube implements of varying shapes and for different therapeutic uses. High-quality solid wood case, rising on castors. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer plaque. Museum quality. Provenance / Acquisition: Reportedly purchased by Dr. Slaughter, of Goldthwaite, Texas, May, 1903. Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. Day 2 of 3, Important Estates catalog. 2021 Similar examples can be found in select museum collections and exhibitions, including Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Virginia. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley, Alabama. Dimensions: (approx) 40.75" High, 26" Wide, 17.5" Deep Condition: Excellent original antique condition. Museum quality. Unknown if complete. Wear consistent with age and use. A scarce example of medical quackery...
Marble
French Mid-Century Mirrored Miniature Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1940s) pink mirrored rectangular miniature cabinet with 2 doors and bevelled trim on lacquered base with mahogany interior
Lacquer, Mahogany
$8,096
H 28.75 in W 48.04 in D 15.75 in
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
By Brionvega, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s. RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...
Metal