Martin Eisler was an influential figure in mid-century modern furniture design, particularly within the Brazilian design movement. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1913, Eisler was part of a generation of European architects and designers whose work and lives were profoundly affected by the upheaval of the Second World War. His father was the art historian Max Eisler, a founding member of the Austrian Werkbund, which likely influenced Eisler's early exposure to design and architecture.
It was in Brazil that Eisler's design sensibilities fully blossomed. He met Carlo Hauner, with whom he would form a formidable partnership, founding the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. Their designs are celebrated for integrating Brazilian materials and craftsmanship with modernist design principles, creating furniture that was both accessible and aesthetically sophisticated.
Eisler's furniture designs, such as the Reversível and Costela chairs, are lauded for their innovative use of materials and form. His work often featured Brazilian woods and thin tubular frames, showcasing a finesse in blending structure with visual lightness. The collaboration between Eisler and Hauner was marked by a shared vision that helped define Brazilian mid-century modern design, making it distinctive and sought after globally.
Find vintage Martin Eisler furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Herança Cultural)
Forma S.a Rare Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Ca 1954 Midcentury Brazil
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
This rare sofa was designed in 1955 and produced by Forma, a company directed by Carlo Hauner (1927- 1996) and Martin Eisler (1913- 1977). This piece is an icon and illustrates some ...
Leather, Rosewood
$17,443
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
$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 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
$88,100
H 31.11 in W 28.75 in D 28.75 in
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
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Concha Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1950
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning and comfortable ‘Concha’ (shell) lounge chair designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and manufactured by Forma Moveis, Brazil 1950. This chair has a solid steel structur...
Metal
$4,563
H 31.5 in W 28.35 in D 28.35 in
'Concha' Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950's
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Uithoorn, NL
'Concha' Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950's This lounge chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler was produced in Brazil in the 1950's by Forma. The chair...
Metal
$12,170Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 55.12 in D 33.47 in
Brazilian Design Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Sofa, 1960s
By 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
$21,658 / 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
$27,850 / item
H 28.35 in W 94.49 in D 30.32 in
Brazilian Mid-Century Cream Sofa by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Jacaranda wood
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
MArtin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Sofa (two units available) Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Caviuna wood legs, velvet and cotton upholstery Measurements 240 cm x 77 cm x 72h cm. 94,48 in x 30,3 in x 28,3h in. Literature Casa & Jardim, 1956. Nº 92 Provenance: Private collection, Sao Paulo Bio: 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...
Cotton, Velvet, Wood
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
$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
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