Pair of Costela Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Olive Mohair, Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1956

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Among the most celebrated and instantly recognizable achievements of Brazilian mid-century design, the Costela armchair occupies a singular place within … Read more Among the most celebrated and instantly recognizable achievements of Brazilian mid-century design, the Costela armchair occupies a singular place within the history of modern furniture. Conceived by Austrian-born architect and designer Martin Eisler (1913–1977) shortly after his arrival in Brazil, the model represents a masterful synthesis of European modernist rigor and the warmth, sensuality, and material richness that came to define postwar Brazilian design.
The chair derives its name from the Portuguese word costela—“rib”—a direct reference to its extraordinary structural composition. A sequence of sculpted Brazilian rosewood slats radiates outward in a rhythmic architectural arrangement, forming a supportive shell that cradles the upholstered body. Simultaneously structural and decorative, these curved wooden members create a visual cadence that transforms the chair into a work of functional sculpture. Few seating designs of the twentieth century achieve such a seamless union of engineering, ergonomics, and expressive form.
Originally produced by Móveis Artesanal and later by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte, the Costela reflects Eisler’s enduring fascination with suspended volumes and lightweight architectural structures. The dramatic curvature of the wooden ribs appears to float above a restrained blackened steel frame, creating a compelling dialogue between organic warmth and industrial precision. The resulting silhouette possesses a remarkable sense of movement and visual lightness despite its substantial construction.
This exceptional pair has been professionally restored with great respect for the original design. The Brazilian rosewood frames have been meticulously refinished to a refined satin-matte surface, revealing the species’ characteristic depth, dramatic grain movement, and rich reddish-brown tonal variation. The blackened steel structures remain faithful to the original aesthetic, preserving the design’s intended visual balance while highlighting the chair’s architectural character.
The chairs have been newly upholstered in luxurious olive mohair velvet, selected to complement the warmth of the rosewood while enhancing the sculptural volume of the cushions. Deep tufting, generous proportions, and the subtle directional sheen of the mohair emphasize the chair’s celebrated comfort while creating a rich interplay of texture and light. The upholstery reinforces the design’s distinctive tension between softness and structure—a hallmark of Eisler’s most important work.
More than seventy years after its introduction, the Costela remains one of the definitive icons of Brazilian modernism and one of the most sought-after seating forms of the twentieth century. Its presence can be found in important private collections, leading design galleries, and museum exhibitions dedicated to Latin American modern design. Equal parts sculpture, architecture, and lounge chair, it stands as a lasting testament to Martin Eisler’s innovative vision and to the extraordinary creative period that shaped modern Brazilian furniture.
A rare and highly desirable restored pair, presenting one of the most enduring masterpieces of Brazilian mid-century design in an elegant and cohesive contemporary presentation. See less