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)
Mid-Century Modern Set of 5 High Stools, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1954
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Martin Eisler and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in 1955, this set of five high stools is an example of mid-century Brazilian design. Each piece features...
Iron
$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
$28,096 / set
H 28.35 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Pair of Modern Brazilian Armchairs wood and velvet
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Pair of armchairs Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Caviuna wood legs, velvet and cotton upholstery Measurements: 77 cm x 77 cm x 72 H cm. 30.3 in x 30.3 in x 28.3 H in. Literature: Casa & Jardim, 1956. Nº 92 Details: Belonging to a three pieces set of sofa and two armchairs.
Upholstery, Wood
$24,000
H 14.97 in W 122.05 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Bench by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern CurvedBench by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960s This curvaceous bench was done in a beautiful solid wood, and it has a natural finish that mainta...
Metal
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler Concha Lounge Chair, Brazil, 1950
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
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
$20,838
H 66 in W 71 in D 102 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Model "Reversible" modern Brazilian armchair 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler(1913-1977) & Carlos Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Reversible” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Iron structure, brass, cotton upholstery Measurements: 10...
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
$21,599
H 35.04 in W 59.85 in D 30.71 in
Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longue by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Berlin, DE
Extremely Rare Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Produced by Forma. A striking piece featuring a delicate steel frame with brass feet and organically sculpted wooden ar...
Metal
$3,600Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 18.9 in W 18.51 in D 12.6 in
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Pair of Stools
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful and interesting pair of iron and cane stools by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. Can also be used as side tables.
Metal
$9,365 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 28.35 in
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler pair of High Back Armchairs blue upholstery
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Forma Pair of High Back Armchairs Wood, Upholstery 1955
Wood
$18,145
H 32.29 in W 72.05 in D 24.41 in
Costela Sofa by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner, Brazil, 1950s–1960s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Wien, AT
This iconic “Costela” sofa, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner, was most likely produced in the late 1950s or early 1960s and is considered one of the most important and reco...
Metal
$13,697
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 30.52 in
Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner Modern Brazilian Lounge Chair Model "Shell" White
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Martin Eisler (1913-1977) & Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) Armchair model “Shell” Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1955 Black painted metal, white fabric upholstery. A Mid-Century modern Brazilian Armchair by Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner designed in 1955. The chairs are upholstered in a cream/white fabric with black painted metal legs. Measurements 74 cm x 77,5 cm x 78h cm. 29,1 in x 30,5 in x 30,7h in. Literature Móvel moderno Brasileiro, Marcelo Vasconcellos, Aeroplano, P. 201 Desenho da Utopia, Brazilian Modern Furnitures...
Metal
$2,295 / set
H 32.5 in W 22 in D 21.5 in
Pair of Mid Century Oak Slatted Armchairs style of Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern Sculptural Oak armchairs suitable for an enclosed or covered porch. Solid slatted oak seat and backs with a...
Iron
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