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 Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Home Bar in Brazilian Caviuna wood was manufactured in c. 1955 by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte, a company with designs and creative direction by Carlo Hauner (19...
Brass
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
A bar cart designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner in the 1950s and produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. It features a chrome structure and loose trays of solid Rose...
Chrome
$2,320 / 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
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
Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler coffee table by Forma Italy 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The Carlo Hauner Martin Eisler versatile table for Forma Italy in 1955, is a piece of furniture that embodies both functionality and style. With its adaptable design, this table seam...
Rosewood
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
$2,436
H 28.35 in W 17.33 in D 27.56 in
Cesare Lacca Brass and Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Italian bar trolley entirely crafted in brass and wood with crystal glass tops. This incredibly stylish and elegant piece was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy...
Brass
$1,461Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.93 in W 16.93 in D 32.68 in
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
$2,273
H 27.56 in W 17.72 in D 28.35 in
Cesare Lacca Brass and Walnut Wood Mid-Century Bar Cart, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and unique Italian bar trolley in solid brass, walnut wood and crystal glass. This stylish mid-century serving cart was designed by Cesare Lacca and produced in Italy dur...
Brass
Art Deco Bar Cabinet, American Bow Front, Hinged Top, Circa 1955
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco American bow front matchbook veneered rectangular bar cabinet with a hinged top dropdown drawer (with scroll & foliate brass escutcheon plus original bakelite signature ...
Wood
$2,552
H 27.96 in W 37.8 in D 18.9 in
Italian Dry Bar by Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni in Wood and Marble, 1960s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Molteni & C
Located in Argelato, BO
Angelo Mangiarotti, rare and refined Dry Bar / Sideboard in wood and marble made for Molteni. It is a functional piece of furniture, capable of holding large quantities of bottles, b...
Marble
Bar Cabinet by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
By Dyrlund, Reno Wahl Iversen
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
$6,381
H 45.28 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Semainier Dresser by Hauner & Eisler for Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Roma, RM
A refined mid-century semainier dresser designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their influential furniture company Forma, dating from the 1950s–1960s. Hauner and Eisler play...
Brass
Bar Cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Bar cabinet with illuminated compartments, 1940s Found in a noble apartment in my hometown, Palermo. Good condition, as per the descriptive photographs, with minor signs of aging. E1...
Wood
$2,436
H 29.93 in W 33.08 in D 18.51 in
Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Serving Trolley in Beechwood, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant Italian serving trolley from the 1950s, crafted in beautifully shaped beechwood with glass shelves and brass-mounted castors. A refined mid-century design featuring flowing o...
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 Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
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