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, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
$17,834
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
$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
$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
$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
$5,143 / item
H 26.77 in W 40.94 in D 28.74 in
Customizable Tacchini Reversível Armchair by Martin Eisler
By Tacchini, Martin Eisler
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
$4,668
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
$22,143 / 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
$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 Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
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
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
Customizable Tacchini Costela Lounge Chair by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler, Tacchini
Located in New York, NY
Tacchini is delighted to reissue Costela by Martin Eisler, icon of Brazilian 1950s design. An elegant yet informal armchair. With its sensual aesthetic, natural materials and intel...
Fabric
Armchairs by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, Brazil 1950s.
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
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)