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 Chair EA 117 by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by ICF in Italy in the early 1980s, with a swivelling base, wheels and height adjustment, in polished aluminium with grey Hopsak fabric; dimensions 51 x 70 x 83 cm, seat height 43.5–55 cm, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Work Architecture: Aluminium Chair EA 117 – Design Charles and Ray Eames – Produced by 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, equipped with a swivel base, casters and height adjustment. Conceived in 1958, this chair revolutionized the architecture of workplace 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 shattered 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 and 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 intentionally visible, celebrating the quality of the join and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-polished chrome versions, simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep sheen that enhances the artisanal quality of finishes typical of the era's craftsmanship.
Lot Conditions: Conservation State and Maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the early 1980s, presents itself in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The brushed aluminum casting is solid, robust, and fully intact. The surfaces retain their original brilliant sheen thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of aging consistent with the piece's age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric – renowned for its tight weave and extremely high resistance – is intact and stable. It has undergone careful cleaning and thorough sanitization; it presents in excellent condition with only light signs of use.
- Mechanical and Functions: The chair is fully functional in every component. The gas lift for height adjustment operates with precision and smoothness, the swivel movement is steady, and the wheels 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
A iconic duo of 20th-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials generated structural solutions that remain unsurpassed, able to traverse decades while 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 throughout the national territory. The manufacturing has historically stood out for excellent build standards and for faithful philological adherence 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 – Produced by 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, equipped with a swivel base, casters and height adjustment. Conceived in 1958, this chair revolutionized the architecture of workplace 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 shattered 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 and 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 intentionally visible, celebrating the quality of the join and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-polished chrome versions, simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep sheen that enhances the artisanal quality of finishes typical of the era's craftsmanship.
Lot Conditions: Conservation State and Maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the early 1980s, presents itself in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The brushed aluminum casting is solid, robust, and fully intact. The surfaces retain their original brilliant sheen thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of aging consistent with the piece's age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric – renowned for its tight weave and extremely high resistance – is intact and stable. It has undergone careful cleaning and thorough sanitization; it presents in excellent condition with only light signs of use.
- Mechanical and Functions: The chair is fully functional in every component. The gas lift for height adjustment operates with precision and smoothness, the swivel movement is steady, and the wheels 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
A iconic duo of 20th-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials generated structural solutions that remain unsurpassed, able to traverse decades while 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 throughout the national territory. The manufacturing has historically stood out for excellent build standards and for faithful philological adherence 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
