Armchairs with Pouf in Caviúna Wood, Mohair & Bouclé by Carlo Hauner, Brazil

A striking and highly characteristic seating group by Carlo Hauner, this pair of armchairs with matching pouf captures the refined balance of sculptural form, comfort, and restraint that defines some of the most memorable Brazilian designs of the 1950s. The model stands out for its poised silhouette: a broad, winged back, elegantly curved arms, and delicate tapered legs that give the chairs a sense of lift despite their generous proportions.

Reupholstered in deep olive mohair with warm ivory bouclé seat cushions, the set gains a rich material tension that enhances the architecture of the form. The outer shell reads dense and enveloping, while the lighter seat cushions introduce softness and visual relief. The matching pouf extends the language of the chairs with a compact, architectural presence that reinforces the cohesion of the ensemble.

What makes this model especially compelling is its clarity of line. The design is both inviting and disciplined—substantial enough to anchor a room, yet light enough to maintain the elegance and openness so central to Brazilian modernism. In vintage images, this model reads immediately as one of Hauner’s most distinctive seating forms: confident, graceful, and remarkably resolved from every angle. The exaggerated yet controlled sweep of the backrest, the softened transition into the arms, and the elevated stance give it a highly recognizable identity and a lasting visual authority.

This is the kind of form that explains why Carlo Hauner remains such an important figure in the history of Brazilian design. His work consistently bridged architectural precision with livability, and this model expresses that balance beautifully. It is not only an object of comfort, but a sculptural statement—one that reflects a sophisticated modern domestic ideal emerging in Brazil during the mid-century period.

An exceptional and increasingly uncommon set, particularly with the pouf intact, offering both historical character and strong decorative presence.

Designer Bio:
Carlo Hauner's (1927-1997) partnership with Martin Eisler (1913-1977) embodied a new era of Brazilian Modernist design, establishing the iconic Brazilian Furniture company Forma as co-founders and head designers. Born in Brescia, Italy, Hauner began his career as a painter in Milan before eventually emigrating and establishing himself in Brazil. He founded Móveis Artesanal in São Paulo, later evolving into the renowned Forma in 1953 after partnering with Martin Eisler.

Hauner and Eisler differentiated themselves by pioneering new production methods while simultaneously incorporating Brazilian motifs and cultural influences. Their skilled craftsmanship, coupled with the use of local materials such as hardwood, leather, and iron, resulted in elegant and versatile pieces that attracted a wider audience. Hauner and Eisler revolutionized furniture design, now internationally recognized as one of the leading mid-century Modern Brazilian design companies.