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 Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 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
Price Upon Request
Rare 4-Seater Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Designed by Martin Eisler for his company FORMA S/A, this is a rare 4-seater version of a very iconic sofa in Midcentury Brazilian. Feet are in Pau-Marfim...
Fabric, Hardwood
$17,537
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
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
$5,800
H 28 in W 84 in D 34 in
Rare 3-Seat Sofa Designed by Lou Hodges, California Design Group 1970 Modernist
By Lou Hodges
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare 3-seat sofa designed by Lou Hodges for California Design Group in the 1970s. Cantilever design oak frame features rounded edge, all original condition, retains origina...
Fabric, Oak
$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
$5,698 / item
H 32.67 in W 29.13 in D 31.5 in
Customizable Tacchini Costela Lounge Chair by Martin Eisler
By Tacchini, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Tacchini is delighted to reissue Costela by Martin Eisler, icon of Brazilian 1950s design. An elegant yet informal armchair. With its sensual aesthe...
Leather, Fabric
$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
$4,590
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
$5,143 / item
H 26.77 in W 40.94 in D 28.74 in
Customizable Tacchini Reversível Armchair by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Fruit of the creative genius of the architect and designer Martin Eisler, Reversível is an historic piece of Carioca design, and Tacchini fell in love with its incredibly innovative style. With the simplicity of its lines and movement, this armchair transforms with casual elegance. The dynamic, flexible reissue of Reversível offers dual comfort with two possible seat positions, to sit in the chair with the back upright, or really relax in a semi-reclining position, parallel with the backrest. The simple, natural movement makes it seem an obvious solution, but it actually represents as ground-breaking an intuition now as then. This original, informal seat with its distinctive lines is completed with a metal structure and fabric coverings. Reversível bears witness to the soft, sensuality of Brazilian 1950s design, a combination of tradition and creativity, folk craft and visionary innovation. To celebrate the rebirth of the iconic Reversível armchair in the brand new Classics...
Leather, Fabric
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
Costela - Iconic Armchair by Martin Eisler for Tacchini
By Martin Eisler, Tacchini
Located in Alcamo, IT
The Costela armchair, designed by Martin Eisler, is a refined expression of timeless elegance and functional art. Its sculptural form, gentle curves, and thoughtful proportions trans...
Fabric, Wood
$18,000
H 32.68 in W 51.19 in D 26.38 in
"Concha" Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Modern Brazilian Design, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, modern Brazilian sofa, iron, and velvet. Brazil, circa 1950s. Shell or "Concha" sofa is made of iron and recently reupholstered in yellow velvet by the experienced craftsmen in our team. The upholstery was chosen considering the contemporary proposal of the piece. The sofa features a comfortable seat, clean design, and freedom of user movements and is constructed in a frame with metal rods elegantly positioned to give strength to the piece, a common trait of designers. The buttons velvet coated between seat and backs were used, by the designers, for an excellent velvet finish, and the restoration proposal was to maintain them. Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner were the primary designers for the iconic Brazilian furniture...
Iron
Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Sofa in jacaranda with cane sides and upholstered cushions. Designed by Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1950s. (Seat: 15" H)