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)
Forma S.a Rare Sofa by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Ca 1954 Midcentury Brazil
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
This rare sofa was designed in 1955 and produced by Forma, a company directed by Carlo Hauner (1927- 1996) and Martin Eisler (1913- 1977). This piece is an icon and illustrates some ...
Leather, Rosewood
Price Upon Request
Rare 4-Seater Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Designed by Martin Eisler for his company FORMA S/A, this is a rare 4-seater version of a very iconic sofa in Midcentury Brazilian. Feet are in Pau-Marfim...
Fabric, Hardwood
$17,027
H 33.08 in W 27.56 in D 33.08 in
Brazilian Lounge Chair Martin Eisler & Carlo Hauner - "Costela" Forma, 1950s
By Forma, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This rare Costela Lounge Chair by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, produced by Forma in the 1950s, features solid wood ribs paired with a vintage leopard-patterned teddy fabric. A tru...
Steel
$35,000 / set
H 27.16 in W 30.31 in D 29.52 in
Rare Forma armchairs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in São Paulo, BR
This particular piece showcases a rare design crafted by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma in 1955. Though Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler are primarily known for their well-s...
Wood
$18,800
H 30.25 in W 58 in D 32 in
Martin Eisler Attribution, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Metal, Brazil, 1960s
By Martin Eisler
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric, brass, wood and black-lacquered metal sofa or settee attributed to Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. One screw replaced. ...
Metal
Rare Italian Leather 3-Seat Sofa by Marzio Cecchi, 1970s
By Marzio Cecchi
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare three-seat sofa designed by Marzio Cecchi in the 1970s. The sculptural form is defined by distinctive ribbed leather arms, which frame the piece with a strong architectural rh...
Leather, Upholstery
$55,000
H 30 in W 82 in D 80 in
Brazilian Modern Sofa with Caviúna Bookshelf & Mohair, Martin Eisler , 1950s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and highly sculptural Brazilian Modern sofa with an integrated Caviúna bookshelf, produced in Brazil during the 1950s and attributed to the early creative language of ...
Mohair, Rosewood, Caviuna
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
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
$5,698 / item
H 32.67 in W 29.13 in D 31.5 in
Customizable Tacchini Costela Lounge Chair by Martin Eisler
By Tacchini, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
price listed for starting fabric Tacchini is delighted to reissue Costela by Martin Eisler, icon of Brazilian 1950s design. An elegant yet informal armchair. With its sensual aesthe...
Leather, Fabric
Ann Sofa Modern Curved Tight Back and Seat by Martin and Brockett
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martin & Brockett’s Ann Sofa 72” pairs the Ann Collection’s signature streamlined design and tight, eight-way hand-tied seat with a 6 foot length. H 32 in. x W 72 in. x D 36 in....
Upholstery
$5,800
H 28 in W 84 in D 34 in
Rare 3-Seat Sofa Designed by Lou Hodges, California Design Group 1970 Modernist
By Lou Hodges
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare 3-seat sofa designed by Lou Hodges for California Design Group in the 1970s. Cantilever design oak frame features rounded edge, all original condition, retains origina...
Fabric, Oak
$48,500
H 30.52 in W 28.35 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern- Costela Armchairs by Hauner & Eisler, Forma, 1950s
By Carlo Hauner, Forma Brazil, Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in São Paulo, SP
**Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Costela Armchair for Forma, Brazil, 1953** Exceptional and highly rare original Costela armchair, designed by C...
Stainless Steel
$16,997
H 28.75 in W 92.52 in D 33.47 in
Rare rosewood Artona 3-seater sofa by Afra e Tobia Scarpa for Maxalto
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in BE
This exceptional sofa from the mid-1970s stands out for its rare rosewood construction, enriched with striking dark inlaid details that create a refined, almost ebony-like contrast. ...
Leather, Rosewood
Sofa by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Sofa in jacaranda with cane sides and upholstered cushions. Designed by Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1950s. (Seat: 15" H)