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 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 Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
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
Mid-Century Modern Squared Side Table by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
This square side table with iron structure and Rosewood top is a rare piece designed by Carlo Hauner (1927-1997) for "Móveis Artesanal" by 1948. The gorgeous piece stands out by its ...
Iron
Nomon Bar Cabinet with Marble Top by Andres Martinez
By Nomon, ANDRÉS MARTÍNEZ
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
Mosaic Side Table by Isle Möbel, Germany, 1950s
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant and charming side table or drink stand by Mosaik Mobel, model #205. Brass legs and frame with beautiful decoration.
Ceramic
Square Italian Mid-Century Modern Travertine Side Table
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern single pedestal Italian travertine square side table.
Travertine
$4,000
H 22.45 in Dm 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern "Janete" Side Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Janete side table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1950s. The Janete side tables, designed by Sergio Rodrigues, have a simple yet elegant design. Made of solid wood, ...
Metal
Lane Rhythm Mid Century Square Walnut Side End Table
By Lane Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Lane Rhythm Mid Century Square Walnut Side End Table This side table measures: 23.5 wide x 23.5 deep x 20.25 inches high Restored - Mint Condit...
Walnut
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
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 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
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cart Edward Wormley for Dunbar C1953
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
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
$31,934
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
$6,295
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
$1,373Sale Price|20% Off
H 36.23 in W 29.53 in D 17.72 in
Italian Bar or Cart in Walnut, Venice Print and Light, Italy, 1950s Signed Sarti
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Italian bar trolley or 1950s dry bar in lacquered walnut, bright white inside. Attributable to Cesare Lacca Outside there is a Venice press. The bar automatically switches on when...
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 14.5 in W 18.5 in D 18.5 in
Pair of 1960s Martin Eisler Brazilian Caviuna and Metal Side Tables
By Martin Eisler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Brazilian caviuna side tables with metal base by Martin Eisler form the 1960s.
Metal