ICF - Charles & Ray Eames - Chair - EA117 - Aluminium, Textile
06
days
11
hours
44
minutes
08
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Alexander Fahl
Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
Estimate € 650 - € 750
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 138513 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Aluminium Chair EA 117 designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced in Italy by ICF in the early 1980s, with a brushed aluminium finish and grey Hopsak fabric, featuring a swivel base, gas lift height adjustment from 43.5 cm to 55 cm, wheels, and dimensions 51 cm wide, 70 cm deep, 83 cm high; in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Work Architecture: Aluminium Chair EA 117 – Design Charles and Ray Eames – ICF Production (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 work furniture, here offered in a historic and sturdy Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum and dark gray Hopsak fabric.
Design and History: The Tense and Transparent Structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames shattered the traditional concept of a cushioned armchair, introducing radical structural innovation:
The Tension as Comfort: With the rigid shell eliminated, the design rests on a continuous fabric panel stretched between two aluminum side profiles. The seat thus becomes an elastic and damping 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 joint and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-chrome versions, the simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep shine that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of the era’s craftsmanship.
Lotto Conditions: Conservation State and Maintenance
- This original exemplar, dating to the early 1980s, presents itself in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and perfectly intact. The surfaces retain their splendid original shine thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of time consistent with the piece’s age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric — famous for its tight weave and high resistance — is intact and stable. It has undergone a thorough cleaning and sanitization process; it is in excellent condition with only minor signs of use.
- Mechanics and Functions: The chair is fully functional in every component. The gas lift for height adjustment responds with precision and smoothness, the swivel movement 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
A symbolic pair of 20th-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials produced structural solutions that have stood the test of time, maintaining their current 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 across the country. The manufacturing has historically stood out for its excellence in build standards and for its philological fidelity to the original projects of the Eames couple, making vintage pieces “made in Italy” highly sought after by collectors for durability and attention to detail.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes transport insurance in 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 TranslateWork Architecture: Aluminium Chair EA 117 – Design Charles and Ray Eames – ICF Production (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 work furniture, here offered in a historic and sturdy Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum and dark gray Hopsak fabric.
Design and History: The Tense and Transparent Structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames shattered the traditional concept of a cushioned armchair, introducing radical structural innovation:
The Tension as Comfort: With the rigid shell eliminated, the design rests on a continuous fabric panel stretched between two aluminum side profiles. The seat thus becomes an elastic and damping 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 joint and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished Aluminum Finish: Unlike mirror-chrome versions, the simply polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep shine that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of the era’s craftsmanship.
Lotto Conditions: Conservation State and Maintenance
- This original exemplar, dating to the early 1980s, presents itself in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and Metals: The polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and perfectly intact. The surfaces retain their splendid original shine thanks to recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of time consistent with the piece’s age.
- Upholstery in Hopsak: The dark gray/black Hopsak fabric — famous for its tight weave and high resistance — is intact and stable. It has undergone a thorough cleaning and sanitization process; it is in excellent condition with only minor signs of use.
- Mechanics and Functions: The chair is fully functional in every component. The gas lift for height adjustment responds with precision and smoothness, the swivel movement 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
A symbolic pair of 20th-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials produced structural solutions that have stood the test of time, maintaining their current 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 across the country. The manufacturing has historically stood out for its excellence in build standards and for its philological fidelity to the original projects of the Eames couple, making vintage pieces “made in Italy” highly sought after by collectors for durability and attention to detail.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes transport insurance in 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 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
