Armchair in Metal and Wood With Ebony Finish, Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler, 1950s

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Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their company Forma, this armchair reflects a pivotal moment in Brazilian modernism … Read more Designed by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler for their company Forma, this armchair reflects a pivotal moment in Brazilian modernism during the country’s mid-century industrial expansion. As founders of Forma, Hauner and Eisler were instrumental in translating European modernist principles into a distinctly Brazilian context—one defined by new manufacturing capabilities, local materials, and an evolving architectural language. This model exemplifies their commitment to rational structure, formal restraint, and material clarity.

The chair is articulated through a disciplined interplay of line and plane. A black metal frame establishes a precise architectural armature, its slender geometry anchoring the composition while allowing the wooden elements to appear suspended within it. The seat, armrests, and backrest—executed in ebonized solid hardwood—form a continuous visual volume, defined by measured proportions and subtle curvature. The contrast between darkened timber and matte black steel distills the designers’ interest in structural legibility: each component reads clearly, with no superfluous gesture.

Material integrity is central to the work. The metal structure provides both tensile strength and visual lightness. The transitions between materials demonstrate a fluency with industrial processes without sacrificing the tactile presence of solid wood—an approach characteristic of Forma’s production during this period.

Function is absorbed seamlessly into the design. The generous seat depth and supportive backrest create a posture of ease, while the broad wooden armrests extend the horizontal lines of the composition. Comfort is achieved not through upholstery, but through proportion, angle, and the inherent warmth of the material.

An authentic example of early Forma production, this armchair stands as a refined expression of Brazilian modern design—anchored by structural clarity and defined by the synthesis of industry and craft that shaped a generation of designers. See less