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)
Solid wood Side Table by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, Brazil, Early 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, SP
This exceptionally rare modernist side table was designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler and produced by Móveis Artesanal in the early 1950s. It is a lesser-known variation of a m...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Set of 5 High Stools, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1954
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler
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
Mid-Century Modern Squared Side Table by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1950s
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
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
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
$1,600
H 20 in W 24 in D 24 in
Mid-Century Modern Plaster Rock and Glass Square Side Table Table by Sirmos
By Sirmos
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sculptural faux rock formation table made by Sirmos in the 1970s. It features a plaster molded rock formation base with a clear glass top.
Glass, Plaster
$2,600
H 15.7 in W 29.5 in D 13.7 in
Mid-Century Modern Max Kment Coffee or Side Table, 1950s, Austria
By Max Kment, Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Early 1950s side or coffee table designed by architect Max Kment and made by "Kunstgewerbliche Werkstätte Max Kment" in Vienna, Austria. Regarding the design, he was inspired by Japa...
Glass, Beech
$9,500
H 27 in W 25.5 in D 25.5 in L 27 in
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Mid-Century Two-Tier Side Table, 1950s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century two-tier end / side table with a square top with a shallow gallery above a lower shelf containing a single drawer supported by two reverse tapered legs. (EDWARD ...
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 Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
$55,000
H 29.53 in W 86.62 in D 35.44 in
Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Dining Table, midcentury Brazilian modern design
By Carlo Hauner, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, SP
Elegant and rare dining table designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in the 1950s, a striking example of Brazilian modernist design. Crafted in solid caviuna wood with ...
Cane, Glass, Wood, Hardwood
$17,061Sale Price|20% Off
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
$20,575
H 66 in W 71 in D 102 in
Martin Eisler & Carlos Hauner Model "Reversible" modern Brazilian armchair 1955
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
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
$41,600
H 28.86 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Dining Table by Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950
By Carlo Hauner, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler in the 1950s, this table was conceived to maximize space and functionality, assuming two distinct configurations. In its standard position,...
Rosewood
$20,750
H 31.7 in W 64.97 in D 44.49 in
Expandable Dining Table in Caviuna by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, circa 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are most known for well-shaped armchairs made in iron, but the production is far more complex, handcrafted, and extensive. The wood pieces produced by ...
Wood
Martin Eisler for Forma Coffee Tray Table
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Martin Eisler for Forma, 1452 trolley table, stained beech, brassed metal, Formica, circa 1960. This small elegant coffee table and bar trolle...
Metal
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