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

Sedia Aluminium Chair EA 108 by Charles and Ray Eames for ICF

We present at auction one of the greatest expressions of American modernism and global industrial design: the Aluminium Chair, model EA 108, in its swivel-base with armrests configuration. Conceived in 1958, this seat represents one of the most significant design successes of the 20th century, here offered in a rare vintage production by the Italian company ICF, finished in polished aluminum with Hopsack fabric in aquamarine.

Design and history:
The Aluminium Group line was initially created to furnish the outdoor spaces of the private residence of renowned art collector J. Irwin Miller in Columbus, Indiana, challenging the construction norms of the period.
Charles and Ray Eames ultimately abandoned the concept of a closed-shell or monobloc seat. The project is based on a brilliant engineering intuition: stretch a continuous sheet of fabric or leather between two aluminum side profiles, turning the upholstery itself into an elastic structural element.
Even without heavy, complex padding, the chair dynamically adapts to the lines and weight of the human body, offering postural comfort and a flexibility that remains unsurpassed.
Model EA 108 is distinguished by its medium back and the sinuous geometric arms.

Lot conditions:
This original specimen, dating from the 1980s, comes from the historic Italian manufacturer ICF and shows generally good used condition.
Structure: the polished aluminum frame and the characteristic 4-spoke swivel base (with fixed foot pads) are perfectly solid, robust, and stable. The metal retains its natural inherent luster thanks to recent cleaning and polishing, showing only minimal signs of wear that attest to the piece’s originality.
Upholstery: the Hopsack aquamarine fabric has been cleaned and sanitized and is now in good used condition, intact and sturdy with light traces of age consistent with the item’s age. (photos do not do justice to the live condition; the upholstery is in better condition than the photos suggest.)
Functionality: the rotation movement on the central pin is fluid, steady, and free of structural play.

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

Acquire this rare aqua aquamarine Hopsack EA 108 version, an absolutely versatile piece of elegance, ideal for boardrooms, executive offices, or refined domestic settings.

The Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
A cornerstone couple of 20th-century design, Charles and Ray Eames mastered combining artistic exploration, functional ergonomics, and the logic of mass production. Through scientific experimentation with materials—from curved plywood to plastics resins and aluminum alloys—they created furnishings that withstood changing fashions, becoming timeless, museum-worthy icons of modern living.

The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l’Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF has long been one of the world’s few companies licensed to produce and distribute the Aluminium Group within the national territory under license from the Eameses. ICF’s manufacturing is historically celebrated by collectors for its high quality standards, impeccable metal fusion work, and fidelity to the original designs, features that make these vintage pieces collectible and likely to maintain their value over time.

Shipping and insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes shipping insurance in the stated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will issue a quotation after the auction concludes based on the destination.