ICF, NO RESERVE PRICE - Charles & Ray Eames - Chair - EA117 - Aluminium, Textile

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 ICF production in polished aluminum and dark gray/black Hopsak fabric.

Design and history: the taut and transparent structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames disrupted the traditional concept of an upholstered armchair, introducing radical structural innovation.
Tension as comfort: the rigid shell is eliminated; the design rests on a continuous fabric panel stretched between two lateral aluminum profiles. The seat thus becomes an elastic, cushioned element that actively follows the body's lines.
Pure visual clarity: the EA 117 form is clean, light, and transparent. Every mechanical and structural component is deliberately exposed, celebrating the quality of the join and the geometric rigor of the design.
Polished aluminum finish: unlike mirrored chrome versions, polished aluminum offers a natural, tactile, and deep-sheen glow that enhances the craftsmanship characteristic of early manufacturing finishes.

Lot conditions: state of preservation and maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the early 1980s, presents itself in excellent overall condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and metals: the polished aluminum casting is solid, sturdy, and fully intact. The surfaces retain their original brilliant luster thanks to recent cleaning and professional polishing, showing only very light signs of age consistent with the piece's vintage.
- Hopsak upholstery: the dark gray/black Hopsak fabric – famed for its tight weave and exceptional durability – 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 all components. 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
A symbol pair of twentieth-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 endured decades, maintaining their visual and functional relevance to this day.

The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF served for decades as the official licensee for the production and distribution of the Aluminium Group across the national territory. The company historically stood out for its excellent build standards and for its philological fidelity to the original projects of the Eames couple, making vintage Italian-made examples highly sought after by collectors for their durability and attention to detail.

Shipping and insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport in the indicated shipping costs. For overseas shipments, the cost is indicative. We will formulate a quote after the auction concludes based on the destination.