ICF - Charles Eames, Ray Eames - Office chair - EA108 - Aluminium, Leather

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Riccardo Forti
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Estimate  € 650 - € 750
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Description from the seller

Structural Rigour: Aluminium Chair EA 108 Swivel – Design Charles and Ray Eames – Production ICF (1980s)

We present at auction one of the pinnacles of American modernism and global industrial design: the Aluminium Chair, model EA 108, in its swivel-base configuration with armrests. Conceived in 1958, this seating represents one of the greatest design successes of the 20th century, here offered in a prestigious and sought-after vintage production by the Italian ICF, finished in polished aluminium and fine black leather.

Design and History: The Revolt of the Suspended Seat
The Aluminium Group line was created initially to furnish the outdoor spaces of the private residence of renowned art collector J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana, disrupting the construction norms of the period:

The Freestanding Panel: Charles and Ray Eames definitively abandoned the concept of a closed or monobloc shell seat. The project rests on a brilliant engineering intuition: stretching a continuous sheet of leather between two lateral aluminium profiles, transforming the upholstery itself into an elastic structural element.

Natural Ergonomics: Even without complex, heavy padding, the chair dynamically adapts to the lines and weight of the human body, offering posture comfort and a flexibility that remains unsurpassed.

Purity of Lines: The EA 108 model stands out for its mid-height back and the sinuous geometric arms. The visual transparency of the structure makes this armchair a versatile, elegant piece, ideal for meeting rooms, executive offices, or refined domestic settings.

Lot Conditions: Condition and Maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the 1980s, comes from the historic Italian manufactory ICF and is presented in excellent general condition:
- Frame and Metals: The polished aluminium frame and the characteristic five-spoke swivel base (with fixed-feet endings) are perfectly solid, robust and stable. The metal preserves its natural material shine, showing only minimal, normal signs of age consistent with the object's era.
- Leather Upholstery in Black: The fine black leather upholstery is structurally intact, well-tensioned and free of cuts or tears. The surface has been carefully cleaned, sanitized and professionally hydrated with specific nourishing products, which restored its suppleness and depth of the original dye, showing only light, charming traces of lived-in patina.
- Mechanics: The swivel movement on the central pin is smooth, steady and free of structural play.

Dimensions
Width: 58 cm
Depth: 59 cm
Height: 83 cm
Seat Height: 40 cm

The Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
A central couple of 20th-century design, Charles and Ray Eames masterfully combined artistic exploration, functional ergonomics and the logic of mass production. Through scientific experimentation with materials—from bent plywood to plastics resins, up to aluminium alloys— they created furniture that has endured beyond seasonal fashions, attaining eternal and museum-worthy icons of modern living.

The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF has for decades been one of the very few companies worldwide licensed to produce and distribute on national territory the Aluminium Group by Charles and Ray Eames. ICF’s manufacturing is historically celebrated by collectors for its extremely high quality standards, impeccable fusion of metals, and faithful philology to the original designs, characteristics that make these vintage pieces collectibles likely to maintain their value over time.

Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport within the indicated shipping costs.

Seller's Story

ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service. Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google Translate

Structural Rigour: Aluminium Chair EA 108 Swivel – Design Charles and Ray Eames – Production ICF (1980s)

We present at auction one of the pinnacles of American modernism and global industrial design: the Aluminium Chair, model EA 108, in its swivel-base configuration with armrests. Conceived in 1958, this seating represents one of the greatest design successes of the 20th century, here offered in a prestigious and sought-after vintage production by the Italian ICF, finished in polished aluminium and fine black leather.

Design and History: The Revolt of the Suspended Seat
The Aluminium Group line was created initially to furnish the outdoor spaces of the private residence of renowned art collector J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana, disrupting the construction norms of the period:

The Freestanding Panel: Charles and Ray Eames definitively abandoned the concept of a closed or monobloc shell seat. The project rests on a brilliant engineering intuition: stretching a continuous sheet of leather between two lateral aluminium profiles, transforming the upholstery itself into an elastic structural element.

Natural Ergonomics: Even without complex, heavy padding, the chair dynamically adapts to the lines and weight of the human body, offering posture comfort and a flexibility that remains unsurpassed.

Purity of Lines: The EA 108 model stands out for its mid-height back and the sinuous geometric arms. The visual transparency of the structure makes this armchair a versatile, elegant piece, ideal for meeting rooms, executive offices, or refined domestic settings.

Lot Conditions: Condition and Maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the 1980s, comes from the historic Italian manufactory ICF and is presented in excellent general condition:
- Frame and Metals: The polished aluminium frame and the characteristic five-spoke swivel base (with fixed-feet endings) are perfectly solid, robust and stable. The metal preserves its natural material shine, showing only minimal, normal signs of age consistent with the object's era.
- Leather Upholstery in Black: The fine black leather upholstery is structurally intact, well-tensioned and free of cuts or tears. The surface has been carefully cleaned, sanitized and professionally hydrated with specific nourishing products, which restored its suppleness and depth of the original dye, showing only light, charming traces of lived-in patina.
- Mechanics: The swivel movement on the central pin is smooth, steady and free of structural play.

Dimensions
Width: 58 cm
Depth: 59 cm
Height: 83 cm
Seat Height: 40 cm

The Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
A central couple of 20th-century design, Charles and Ray Eames masterfully combined artistic exploration, functional ergonomics and the logic of mass production. Through scientific experimentation with materials—from bent plywood to plastics resins, up to aluminium alloys— they created furniture that has endured beyond seasonal fashions, attaining eternal and museum-worthy icons of modern living.

The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF has for decades been one of the very few companies worldwide licensed to produce and distribute on national territory the Aluminium Group by Charles and Ray Eames. ICF’s manufacturing is historically celebrated by collectors for its extremely high quality standards, impeccable fusion of metals, and faithful philology to the original designs, characteristics that make these vintage pieces collectibles likely to maintain their value over time.

Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport within the indicated shipping costs.

Seller's Story

ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service. Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
ICF
Model
EA108
Designer/artist/maker
Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Material
Aluminium, Leather
Style
Design
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
83 cm
Width
58 cm
Depth
59 cm
Estimated period
circa 1980
Seating height
40 cm
Sold by
ItalyVerified
1713
Objects sold
100%
protop

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