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)
Mid-Century Modern Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955
By Forma, Carlo Hauner, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
A Caviúna record player produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, with designs by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This record player has two hanging doors...
Hardwood
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
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
Vintage Credenza in Caviuna Wood, Martin Eisler, circa 1954 Brazilian Midcentury
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
This Caviuna Credenza was designed by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) for Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s. This furniture typology was v...
Hardwood
$2,269 / 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
$7,749
H 28.75 in W 48.04 in D 15.75 in
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
By Brionvega, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s. RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...
Metal
$5,800 / item
H 35 in W 32 in D 19 in
Modern Bar Cabinet with Steel Frame, Oak Slats and Leather Top by KLEIN
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials - Steel, Oak Wood // Style - Sculptural Modern // Origin - USA // Condition - New, Made to Order Be it in the gentleman’s corner of your apartment or centre stage in your ...
Cut Steel
$9,530
H 29.14 in W 47.64 in D 14.57 in
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Brionvega
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph and Record Player RR126 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Brionvega 1960s Model RR126 radio and record player with rectangular wooden base and dark ...
Metal
$14,295Sale Price|37% Off
H 42.92 in W 127.96 in D 23.23 in
Midcentury Italian Credenza with Solid Marble Top and Base
By Cantu
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Prepare to be captivated by the allure of this extraordinary piece, lovingly crafted in Cantu, Italy. Behold the breathtaking beauty of this lacquered parchment sideboard, meticulous...
Marble
$62,402
H 31.89 in W 105.52 in D 16.93 in
Carlos Hauner & Martin Eisler, Buffet, Caviuna Wood, Cane, Brazil, 1950
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Carlos Hauner & Martin Eisler Buffet with five doors Manufactured by Forma Moveis Brazil, 1950 Caviuna wood, cane From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona Measurements 268 cm x 43 cm x 81 H cm 105.52 in x 16.92 in x 31.88 H in Literature Brasilian modern: The rediscovery of 20th century Brazilian furniture. Aric Chen. Brasil, 2016 Bio Beside Carlos Hauner, Martin Eisler (1913-1977) was the founder for the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma. He was born in Vienna, Austria, and studied architecture in his country. In 1938 he moved to Buenos Aires. After meeting Carlos Hauner in Brazil, he started traveling there frequently to collaborate on designs and, they founded Forma to sell their own designs as well as pieces licensed from Knoll International. Eisler also opened Forma in Buenos Aires, along with partners Arnold Hakel and Susi Aczel...
Wood
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 55 in W 65 in D 19 in
Mid Century Credenza Jacaranda and Brass by Hauner and Eisler Brazil Ca. 1950’s
By Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Mid Century credenza, made in Brazil - designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler. This example is in very good, original condition, clean and ready to use. The case ha...
Brass
$1,650
H 13 in W 22 in D 18 in
Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.
Metal
$31,655
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
Vintage Office Credenza by Founders
By Founders Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This uniquely sized vintage credenza offers a stylish combination of cabinet and drawer storage. Low profile height makes this perfect for use in an office or business environment, w...
Wood
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
$26,000
H 31 in W 99 in D 19 in
Credenza in Solid Caviúna Hardwood by Forma, Brazilian Modern, Brazil, 1960s
By Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Produced by Forma during the golden era of Brazilian Modernism in the 1960s, this exceptional credenza embodies the movement's commitment to sculptural simplicity, uncompromising cra...
Brass
$45,000
H 33 in W 110 in D 18 in
Brazilian Modern Reeded Credenza in Caviúna Wood by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary example of Brazilian Modern design at its most refined, this monumental reeded credenza by Giuseppe Scapinelli embodies the sculptural elegance, material richness, a...
Brass
Bond Burled Wood Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Timelessly Chic. Pieced, burled mappa between Lucite legs with stainless steel accents. Pieced veneer cabinet faces showcase naturally occurring patterns in the wood, and an adjustab...
Acrylic, Burl, Wood
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
Sold
H 32 in W 38.25 in D 17.75 in
1950s Brazilian Rosewood Credenza by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma
By Martin Eisler
Located in Victoria, BC
Fresh to the market is a rare gem of vintage Brazilian modernism: an iconic sideboard designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for Forma, circa 1950. This remarkable piece was made...
Wood
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 Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 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
Martin Eisler, Sideboard, C. 1950
By Martin Eisler
Located in PARIS, FR
Cette enfilade signée par Martin Eisler réalisée dans les années 1950 est composée en bois de Caviuna massif et placage de Caviuna. Elle repose sur deux ...
Brass
Martin Eisler Rosewood Chest for Forma, Brazil, circa 1955
By Martin Eisler, Forma
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Martin Eisler Rosewood Pair of Chest for Forma, Brazil, circa 1955. This pair has been expertly restored.
Rosewood
Pair of Credenzas by Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler
Located in London, England
Manufactured by Forma S/A, this is an extremely rare piece created by Martin Eisler made in Caviuna. Both Credenzas are tagged.
Rattan, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 16.5 in D 49 in
Credenza in Caviona Wood with Cane Front by Martin Eisler for Forma, 1960
By Martin Eisler, Forma Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in caviona wood with cane front. Designed by Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1960.
Cane, Wood
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
Sold
H 32.25 in W 96 in D 18.5 in
Credenza in Caviona Wood with a Cane Front by Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1950s
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in caviona wood with a cane front. Designed by Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1950s.
Cane, Wood
Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler Credenza
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Credenza in caviona wood. Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma, Brazil, 1950s.
Wood
Sold
H 31.25 in W 98 in D 17.25 in
Brazilian Rosewood Credenza Sideboard Martin Eisler And Carlo Hauner
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large credenza or sideboard made of Brazilian rosewood circa 1950s. Designed for FORMA by Martin Eisler (1913-1977) and Carlo Hauner (1927-1997), two venerable designers who spearh...
Rosewood
Credenza by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
By Martin Eisler, Carlo Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Credenza in caviona wood with drawers and tambor doors. Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for Forma. Brazil, 1958.