ICF - Charles & Ray Eames - Chair - EA117 - Aluminium, Textile
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Selected by Alexander Fahl
Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
Estimate € 650 - € 750
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Aluminium EA 117 Office Chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by ICF in Italy in the early 1980s, with a polished aluminium frame, grey/black Hopsak fabric, a swivel base with wheels and height adjustment, in excellent condition and fully functional, dimensions 51 cm wide, 70 cm deep, 83 cm high (seat height 43.5–55 cm).
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Description from the seller
Work Architecture: Aluminium Chair EA 117 – Design Charles and Ray Eames – Production ICF (1980s)
We present at auction one of the milestones of global industrial design: the Aluminium Chair, model EA 117, in its most versatile office configuration, featuring swivel base, casters and height adjustment. Conceived in 1958, this seat revolutionized the architecture of work furniture, here offered in a historic and robust Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum and dark gray Hopsak fabric.
Design and History: The Tight and Transparent Structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames destabilized the traditional concept of a padded armchair, introducing radical structural innovation:
Tension as Comfort: With the rigid shell eliminated, the design is based on a continuous panel of fabric stretched between two aluminum side profiles. The seat thus becomes an elastic, cushioning element that actively follows the body's lines.
Visual Purity: The EA 117 form is clean, light, and transparent. Every mechanical and structural component remains deliberately visible, celebrating the quality of the join and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-polished chromed versions, the simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material depth that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of era manufacturing.
Lot Conditions: State of Conservation and Maintenance
- This original piece, dating from the early 1980s, presents in excellent overall condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and fully intact. Surfaces retain their beautiful original luster thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very light signs of age consistent with the piece’s age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric—famed for its tight weave and high durability—is intact and stable. It has undergone thorough cleaning and sanitization; it is in excellent condition with only slight signs of use.
- Mechanics and Functions: The chair is fully functional in all aspects. The gas lift for height adjustment responds with precision and smoothness, the swivel motion is steady, and the casters roll correctly.
Dimensions
Width: 51 cm
Depth: 70 cm
Height: 83 cm
Seat height: adjustable from 43.5 cm to 55 cm
The Designers: Charles & Ray Eames
Iconic duo of twentieth-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials generated structural solutions that have endured decades, maintaining their absolute visual and functional relevance.
The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF was for decades the official licensee for the production and distribution of the Aluminium Group on national territory. The manufacturer historically stood out for its excellent build standards and for philological fidelity to the original projects of the Eameses, making vintage pieces “made in Italy” highly sought after by collectors for their durability and attention to detail.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes shipping insurance in the stated 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 TranslateWork Architecture: Aluminium Chair EA 117 – Design Charles and Ray Eames – Production ICF (1980s)
We present at auction one of the milestones of global industrial design: the Aluminium Chair, model EA 117, in its most versatile office configuration, featuring swivel base, casters and height adjustment. Conceived in 1958, this seat revolutionized the architecture of work furniture, here offered in a historic and robust Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum and dark gray Hopsak fabric.
Design and History: The Tight and Transparent Structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames destabilized the traditional concept of a padded armchair, introducing radical structural innovation:
Tension as Comfort: With the rigid shell eliminated, the design is based on a continuous panel of fabric stretched between two aluminum side profiles. The seat thus becomes an elastic, cushioning element that actively follows the body's lines.
Visual Purity: The EA 117 form is clean, light, and transparent. Every mechanical and structural component remains deliberately visible, celebrating the quality of the join and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-polished chromed versions, the simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material depth that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of era manufacturing.
Lot Conditions: State of Conservation and Maintenance
- This original piece, dating from the early 1980s, presents in excellent overall condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and fully intact. Surfaces retain their beautiful original luster thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very light signs of age consistent with the piece’s age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric—famed for its tight weave and high durability—is intact and stable. It has undergone thorough cleaning and sanitization; it is in excellent condition with only slight signs of use.
- Mechanics and Functions: The chair is fully functional in all aspects. The gas lift for height adjustment responds with precision and smoothness, the swivel motion is steady, and the casters roll correctly.
Dimensions
Width: 51 cm
Depth: 70 cm
Height: 83 cm
Seat height: adjustable from 43.5 cm to 55 cm
The Designers: Charles & Ray Eames
Iconic duo of twentieth-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials generated structural solutions that have endured decades, maintaining their absolute visual and functional relevance.
The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF was for decades the official licensee for the production and distribution of the Aluminium Group on national territory. The manufacturer historically stood out for its excellent build standards and for philological fidelity to the original projects of the Eameses, making vintage pieces “made in Italy” highly sought after by collectors for their durability and attention to detail.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes shipping insurance in the stated 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 TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
ICF
Model
EA117
Designer/artist/maker
Charles & Ray Eames
Material
Aluminium, Textile
Style
Design
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
83 cm
Width
51 cm
Depth
70 cm
Estimated period
circa 1980
