ICF - Charles & Ray Eames - Chair - EA117 - Aluminium, Textile
06
days
16
hours
35
minutes
51
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€ 1
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Selected by Alexander Fahl
Art historian with over 10 years' experience and expertise in Italian design.
Estimate € 700 - € 800
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Aluminium Chair EA 117, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by ICF in Italy in the 1980s.
AI-assisted summary
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. Designed in 1958, this seat revolutionized the architecture of workplace furnishings, here offered in a historic and robust Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum with dark gray/black Hopsak fabric.
Design and history: the taut, transparent structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames challenged the traditional concept of a padded armchair, introducing a radical structural innovation. The tension as comfort: having eliminated the rigid shell, the design rests 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 contours of the body.
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-chromed versions, polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep luster that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of period craftsmanship.
Lot conditions: conservation state and maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the early 1980s, presents in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and metals: the polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and completely intact. The surfaces retain their original brilliant shine thanks to a recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of age consistent with the piece.
- Hopsak upholstery: the dark gray/black Hopsak fabric — renowned for its tight weave and high resistance — is intact and stable. It has undergone a thorough cleaning and sanitization process and appears in excellent condition with only minor signs of use.
- Mechanical parts and functions: the chair is fully functional in every component. The gas-lift mechanism 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 iconic duo of twentieth-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials yielded structural solutions that transcended decades while maintaining intact their absolute visual and functional contemporaneity.
The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF for decades was the official licensee for the production and distribution of the Aluminium Group across the national territory. The manufacturer historically stood out for its excellence in build standards and for faithful philological adherence to the original designs of the Eames couple, making vintage Italy-made specimens extremely sought after by collectors for their durability and quality of detail.
Shipping and insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport in the indicated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will prepare a quote after the auction closes based on the destination.
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. Designed in 1958, this seat revolutionized the architecture of workplace furnishings, here offered in a historic and robust Italian production by ICF in polished aluminum with dark gray/black Hopsak fabric.
Design and history: the taut, transparent structure
With the Aluminium Group, Charles and Ray Eames challenged the traditional concept of a padded armchair, introducing a radical structural innovation. The tension as comfort: having eliminated the rigid shell, the design rests 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 contours of the body.
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-chromed versions, polished aluminum offers a natural, material, deep luster that enhances the artisanal quality of the finishes typical of period craftsmanship.
Lot conditions: conservation state and maintenance
- This original specimen, dating from the early 1980s, presents in excellent general condition, carefully preserved to ensure immediate use:
- Structure and metals: the polished aluminum casting is solid, robust, and completely intact. The surfaces retain their original brilliant shine thanks to a recent professional cleaning and polishing, showing only very slight signs of age consistent with the piece.
- Hopsak upholstery: the dark gray/black Hopsak fabric — renowned for its tight weave and high resistance — is intact and stable. It has undergone a thorough cleaning and sanitization process and appears in excellent condition with only minor signs of use.
- Mechanical parts and functions: the chair is fully functional in every component. The gas-lift mechanism 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 iconic duo of twentieth-century modernism, Charles and Ray Eames redefined the relationship between art, ergonomics, and mass production. Their experimental approach to materials yielded structural solutions that transcended decades while maintaining intact their absolute visual and functional contemporaneity.
The Manufacturer: ICF (Industria Componenti per l'Arredamento)
Founded in Italy, ICF for decades was the official licensee for the production and distribution of the Aluminium Group across the national territory. The manufacturer historically stood out for its excellence in build standards and for faithful philological adherence to the original designs of the Eames couple, making vintage Italy-made specimens extremely sought after by collectors for their durability and quality of detail.
Shipping and insurance:
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transport in the indicated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will prepare a quote after the auction closes based on the destination.
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
1980-1990
