Few pieces of Brazilian furniture are as instantly recognizable as the Costela Chair. Originally produced by Móveis Artesanal and later by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte, the chair stands among the most celebrated achievements of Brazilian Modern design. More than sixty years after its introduction, it remains one of the defining symbols of the movement and one of the most sought-after lounge chairs on the international collector market.
Forma Decoração de Interiores Logo taken from a vintage magazine from the 1960s.
Designed by Austrian-born architect and designer Martin Eisler (1913–1977) shortly after his arrival in Brazil, the Costela represents a remarkable fusion of European Modernist discipline and the warmth, material richness, and sculptural sensibility that would come to characterize postwar Brazilian design. Few chairs of the twentieth century achieve such a seamless balance between comfort, engineering, and visual expression.
Photograph of a young Martin Eisler
The chair takes its name from the Portuguese word costela, meaning "rib." The reference is immediately apparent in its construction. A series of curved wooden slats radiate outward from a black iron frame, forming a supportive shell around the upholstered body. These slats serve both structural and decorative purposes, creating a rhythmic architectural composition that transforms an everyday lounge chair into a work of functional sculpture.
Martin Eisler "Costela" shown unupholstered to highlight the Rosewood and Black -painted Iron support structure.
Pair of “Costela” Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Olive Mohair, Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1956
The Costela was exceptionally popular in Brazil during the mid-century period, and its success quickly extended beyond the workshops that originally produced it. As demand grew, numerous Brazilian manufacturers began creating their own interpretations of the design. Unlike the direct reproductions commonly produced today, these period versions were rarely exact copies. Instead, they borrowed the chair's defining characteristics—the ribbed wooden structure, low-slung profile, and iron frame—while introducing their own proportions, materials, and construction methods.
Unattributed Period "Costela" chair in ebony wood and Yellow Chenille Upholstery. Shown side by side, the Authentic Martin Eisler is made in Brazilian Hardwood and Black Iron.
These variations are particularly interesting because they reveal how influential the original design had become. While the reproductions sought to capture the spirit of Eisler's chair, they inevitably developed their own identities. Some featured narrower footprints, others sat noticeably higher, and many simplified aspects of the original craftsmanship. The result was a family of designs clearly inspired by the Costela, yet distinct from Martin Eisler's celebrated model.
Back view of “Costela” Armchair in Hardwood & Chenille, Unknown, 1950s - Lot 219
One of the best examples is the version produced by Móveis Pallar. At first glance, the chair appears remarkably similar to an original Costela. The overall construction follows the same basic principles, but closer examination reveals important differences. The wooden slats found on authentic Eisler examples taper from approximately three inches wide at the center to roughly two inches at the outer edges, creating a subtle visual refinement. On the Móveis Pallar version, the slats maintain a uniform width across the entire chair and are executed in a different wood species. While these details may seem minor on paper, they become immediately apparent when the chairs are viewed side by side, demonstrating the level of craftsmanship and material sophistication present in the original design.
Back view of Brazilian Modern Wood Slat & Metal Frame Armchair, Moveis Pallar, 1950s, to show slat structure
Back view of Pair of “Costela” Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Olive Mohair, Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1956
The enduring appeal of the Costela extends far beyond the collector market. Contemporary licensed editions continue to be produced, introducing the chair to new generations of design enthusiasts. It has also become a recurring presence in editorial photography, celebrity residences, and design publications. In recent years, the Costela has appeared in interviews and photo shoots featuring figures such as actor Nick Offerman and musician Lil Yachty, demonstrating its ability to remain culturally relevant while retaining its historical significance.
Part of the chair's lasting success lies in its remarkable versatility. To the casual observer, it is simply an exceptionally comfortable lounge chair. To collectors and historians, it represents one of Martin Eisler's most important contributions to furniture design—a masterful exploration of structure, ergonomics, and material expression. Despite its distinctive silhouette, the Costela integrates effortlessly into contemporary interiors, pairing as naturally with modern furnishings as it does with other Brazilian Modern masterpieces.
Pair of “Costela” Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Olive Mohair, Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1956 — Lot 754A photographed inside a Miami Beach Apartment with ocean views.
At Found Collectibles, we are proud to offer both authentic Martin Eisler Costela Chairs and period Brazilian interpretations that illustrate the extraordinary influence of the original design. Currently in our collection is a pair produced to Eisler's original specifications by either Forma or Móveis Artesanal, representing the chair as it was intended during its most celebrated period. Alongside these are two period reproductions: a Móveis Pallar example and an unattributed variant that retains the characteristic ribbed construction while incorporating additional slats and altered proportions.
Brazilian Modern Wood Slat & Metal Frame Armchair, Moveis Pallar, 1950s - Lot 415A Side by side with Pair of “Costela” Armchairs in Brazilian Hardwood & Olive Mohair, Martin Eisler, Brazil, 1956 — Lot 754A to show differences
These period interpretations occupy a significantly different price point than original Martin Eisler productions, offering collectors an opportunity to enjoy the visual presence and comfort of the Costela form at a more accessible level. At the same time, they serve as fascinating artifacts of Brazil's mid-century furniture industry, demonstrating the widespread admiration that Eisler's design inspired. Together, they tell a broader story—not only of one iconic chair, but of the lasting impact it had on an entire generation of Brazilian furniture makers.