Costela Chair and Ottoman
Original Costela Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for their joint venture known as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The name "Costela," meaning rib in Portuguese, is a nod to the chair's sculptural wooden slats, which curve gracefully to form the seat. Crafted from Brazilian hardwood, these wood slats are supported by a curved steel frame with splayed legs, balancing organic wood with industrial metal. The slats cradle plush cushions, offering both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort in this low-slung design. The down cushions, tufted with buttons and secured by ties at the back and bottom, enhance the chair's inviting feel. This particular example retains the original patina on the frame, while the cushions have been newly made and upholstered in luxurious Holland & Sherry silk linen, finished with buttons for a refined touch.
Literature: Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, Bergdoll and Ferraz, pp. 80-82; Brazilian Design: National Identity and Modernism, Gorovitz, pp. 104-107.
Designer: Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
Manufacturer: Forma
Origin: Brazil
Date: 1950s
Dimensions: Chair: 28" H x 31" W x 31" D and Ottoman: 16" H x 25" W x 17" D
Seat Height: 14" H
Original Costela Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for their joint venture known as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The name "Costela," meaning rib in Portuguese, is a nod to the chair's sculptural wooden slats, which curve gracefully to form the seat. Crafted from Brazilian hardwood, these wood slats are supported by a curved steel frame with splayed legs, balancing organic wood with industrial metal. The slats cradle plush cushions, offering both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort in this low-slung design. The down cushions, tufted with buttons and secured by ties at the back and bottom, enhance the chair's inviting feel. This particular example retains the original patina on the frame, while the cushions have been newly made and upholstered in luxurious Holland & Sherry silk linen, finished with buttons for a refined touch.
Literature: Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, Bergdoll and Ferraz, pp. 80-82; Brazilian Design: National Identity and Modernism, Gorovitz, pp. 104-107.
Designer: Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
Manufacturer: Forma
Origin: Brazil
Date: 1950s
Dimensions: Chair: 28" H x 31" W x 31" D and Ottoman: 16" H x 25" W x 17" D
Seat Height: 14" H
Original Costela Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner for their joint venture known as Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte. The name "Costela," meaning rib in Portuguese, is a nod to the chair's sculptural wooden slats, which curve gracefully to form the seat. Crafted from Brazilian hardwood, these wood slats are supported by a curved steel frame with splayed legs, balancing organic wood with industrial metal. The slats cradle plush cushions, offering both visual appeal and ergonomic comfort in this low-slung design. The down cushions, tufted with buttons and secured by ties at the back and bottom, enhance the chair's inviting feel. This particular example retains the original patina on the frame, while the cushions have been newly made and upholstered in luxurious Holland & Sherry silk linen, finished with buttons for a refined touch.
Literature: Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx, Bergdoll and Ferraz, pp. 80-82; Brazilian Design: National Identity and Modernism, Gorovitz, pp. 104-107.
Designer: Martin Eisler and Carlo Hauner
Manufacturer: Forma
Origin: Brazil
Date: 1950s
Dimensions: Chair: 28" H x 31" W x 31" D and Ottoman: 16" H x 25" W x 17" D
Seat Height: 14" H