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)
Bar Cabinet with Footrest by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, c. 1955, Forma S.A
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a chrome structure an...
Brass
$2,410 / item
Trolley/ bar by Martin Eisler for Forma - 1960s
By Martin Eisler
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Small bar, cart, or coffee table designed by Martin Eisler for Forma in the 1960s. This magnificent serving trolley on wheels has two tiers. On the top tier, there are two removable...
Smoked Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This Bar cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a chrome structure and loose trays of solid Rosewood and Formica. This gorgeous piece has wheels, allowing it to be easily moved around the house – indeed, the best support your drinks could have. In 1955, the pioneer company Móveis Artesanal, founded by Carlo Hauner in partnership with Martin Eisler e Ernesto Wolf, changed the name to Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The purpose was to make the company more attractive to the business market, which was rapidly developing. Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Art manufactured a few icons of Brazilian design history, such as the Costela Armchair...
Chrome
$1,808
H 34.26 in W 32.29 in D 16.54 in
Torcello Bar Cabinet by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus, Italy, 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Stildomus
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning bar cabinet from the Torcello series, designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Stildomus in the 1960s — a perfect example of rational and sophisticated Italian design. This collection is known for its masterful use of solid wood, combined with a robust yet refined construction, true to the Scarpas’ design philosophy. In this case, the wood is solid rosewood, finely crafted to highlight its natural grain and structural strength. One of the most iconic elements of the Torcello series is the use of exposed aluminum joinery, visible at key junctions between panels. This feature celebrates the precise and refined craftsmanship that defined the work of the Scarpa duo. The clean, geometric lines of this piece allow it to integrate beautifully into elegant, high-end interiors without overwhelming the space. This beautiful bar cabinet features two front doors that open to reveal two sliding compartments with several internal sections, ideal for storing glassware and bottles. This item is in very good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present but do not affect its structure or functionality. We kindly ask you to consider these characteristics before purchasing. Dimensions: Height: 87 cm (34.3 in) Width: 82 cm (32.3 in) Depth: 42 cm (16.5 in) Keywords: Afra and Tobia Scarpa · Torcello Collection · Vintage Italian Bar Cabinet...
Rosewood
Small Cabinet with Bar and Internal Light - Italy - 1950s
Located in Milano, IT
Refined Mid-Century Modern bar cabinet attributed to Umberto Mascagni, 1950s. A timeless piece of design that embodies the elegance and creativity of 1950s Italian design. This gorg...
Brass
$5,195
H 47.5 in W 49 in D 19 in
Dry Bar in Teak w/ Leather Top by Knud Bent for Dyrlund, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Knud Bent
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Danish-made dry bar designed by the incomparable Knud Bent for Dyrlund. This sculptural and highly functional dry bar, is a refined example of Danish craftsmanship...
Leather, Teak
Nomon Bar Cabinet with Marble Top by Andres Martinez
By ANDRÉS MARTÍNEZ, Nomon
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We create a space to enjoy a drink in good company. Marble top and suspended glasses from the Golden rods evoke classical bar cabinets. Available in: ...
Marble, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Brass Bar Cart, 1970s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Midcentury brass bar cart, circa 1970s. It is versatile in size and can be used as a bar or serving cart or as an additional storage space in an office. It has four bottle holders at...
Brass
Bar Cabinet by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
By Reno Wahl Iversen, Dyrlund
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sophisticated foldable bar cabinet designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo in the 1960s. Crafted in richly grained rosewood, the cabinet features a clever fold-out construction that d...
Brass
$33,631
H 34.26 in W 86.62 in D 16.93 in
Sideboard - Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Forma Moveis, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
A rare and exquisite four-door buffet designed by Martin Eisler and Carlos Hauner, founders of the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma Móveis. Crafted in Brazil in the 1950s, th...
Cane, Wood
Bronze Mirrored Bar Cabinet by Ello
By Ello Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A two-part mirrored cabinet on chest, perfect for a bar. Two mirrored doors above three mirrored drawers with modern inset brass campaign handles, on a brass base with brass sides. G...
Brass
$1,884
H 27.17 in W 27.56 in D 17.33 in
1960s Danish Teak Arrebo Møbler Folding Drinks Cart Bar Trolley Andreas Hansen
By Andreas Hansen, Arrebo Mobler
Located in London, England
1960s Vintage Danish Teak folding dry bar drinks trolley by Andreas Hansen for Arrebo Møbler which is beautifully designed. The two leaves open out to reveal a fully functional bar s...
Brass
$6,328
H 46.07 in W 25.2 in D 22.45 in
Midcentury Wood, Steel & Glass Dry Bar by Carlo De Carli for Fiarm, Italy 1960s
By Carlo di Carli, Fiarm
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury rare amazing cabinet dry bar with storage for bottle and sliding doors in wood, steel, black laminate and glass by Carlo De Carli for Fiarm. Made in Italy in the 1960s. ...
Metal
George Nelson Style Mid Century Oak Bar Cart
By George Nelson
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nelson style mid century oak bar cart Bar cart measures: 36.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 26 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we cal...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bar cart/server with a drop down top which is 27 inches and 54 when raised, shelves for bottles, cupboard for glasses and other necessities. Model # 5433 created out of waln...
Brass
Sold
H 28.9 in W 28.15 in D 17.92 in
Cane Bar Cart by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950s, Forma S.A., Brazil
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
This Bar or tea cart is a rare and elegant piece designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It presents a solid Rosewood...
Chrome
Sold
H 42.13 in W 59.85 in D 39.38 in
Martin Eisler/Forma, Brazilian Modernist Bar Made with Caviuna Wood
By Martin Eisler
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Martin Eisler for Forma. Brazilian modernist bar made with caviuna wood. Structure made of solid caviuna wood with bronze details. Front panels made with sticks of solid caviuna wood...
Metal