Herman Miller, ICF - Charles Eames, Ray Eames - Lounge chair - Lounge chair - Aluminium, Wood, Leather

02
days
04
hours
55
minutes
49
seconds
Current bid
€ 4,500
Reserve price met
Christian Plat
Expert
Estimate  € 5,000 - € 5,500
FR
€4,500
FR
€4,040
FR
€3,840

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The ICF Lounge Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and made in Italy in the 1970s, combines aluminium, wood and leather.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An Absolute Icon: Lounge Chair – Designed by Charles and Ray Eames – Manufactured by ICF, Herman Miller

We are offering at auction the most famous seat of the 20th century: the Lounge Chair in its most sophisticated version, featuring black lacquered shells and cognac leather upholstery. Created in 1956, this armchair has become the universal symbol of designer furniture. It was born from the designers’ desire to offer a level of comfort comparable to that of a “well-worn baseball mitt.”

Design and history: the evolution of comfort
The Lounge Chair represents the culmination of the Eameses’ research into bentwood technology and its application to home comfort.
Engineering comfort: the structure consists of three molded plywood shells, connected by rubber and metal supports (shock mounts) that allow a slight dynamic flex, ensuring an exceptional relaxation experience.
Perfect synthesis: the design combines the efficiency of industrial production with attention to handcrafted detail, transforming a classic club chair into a modern sculpture that commands attention even as a standalone piece.

Lot condition:
The example offered at auction is in an unusual and rarer version, with a black lacquered shell and cognac-colored leather upholstery. The chair has undergone careful conservation restoration and is now in excellent condition, preserving the authentic spirit of the original piece.
Shells and metalwork: the black lacquered shells are in perfect condition, intact and free of structural defects. The aluminum parts are in excellent condition, with only very slight signs of use consistent with the object’s history.
Original period leather: the fine cognac leather upholstery is original to the period and has been exceptionally well preserved. It is intact and has a charming patina that only time can impart, showing only slight, natural signs of use that enhance its authenticity.
Authenticity: its originality and dating to the 1970s are attested to both by the “Herman Miller made by ICF” label preserved beneath the structure and by the code 670/B embossed in the aluminum base casting, a technical detail identifying the original foundry molds of the period. The construction details also provide further evidence of the high quality and originality of this ICF / Herman Miller piece.

Dimensions
Width: 81 cm
Depth: 90 cm
Height: 79 cm
Seat height: 40 cm

The Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
Charles and Ray Eames were not just designers, but true pioneers of global visual culture, influencing architecture, cinema, and postwar graphic design. Their approach, summed up in the motto “the best for the most for the least,” aimed to solve complex problems through simple, accessible aesthetic solutions. Their creative partnership combined Charles’s architectural rigor with Ray’s artistic and color sensibility, giving rise to objects that transcend time. Many of their creations are now part of the permanent collections of the world’s most important museums, including the MoMA in New York, testifying to a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of designers. The Lounge Chair remains, without a doubt, their greatest statement on the dignity of modern living.

The Manufacturer: ICF, Herman Miller
ICF production represents a golden chapter in European design, as it was one of the very few companies in the world to obtain an official license to produce the Eameses’ designs. Thanks to the extraordinary skill of Italian craftspeople, ICF was able to combine American industrial rigor with meticulous attention to detail and a carefully curated selection of materials. This has made these pieces particularly sought-after by international collectors for their superior construction precision and rarity.
Herman Miller is the American company that made the Lounge Chair immortal and has been a world leader in furniture design since 1905.

Shipping and insurance:
Our company, ORVETT, includes transport insurance in the stated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will provide a quote once the auction has ended, 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 Translate

An Absolute Icon: Lounge Chair – Designed by Charles and Ray Eames – Manufactured by ICF, Herman Miller

We are offering at auction the most famous seat of the 20th century: the Lounge Chair in its most sophisticated version, featuring black lacquered shells and cognac leather upholstery. Created in 1956, this armchair has become the universal symbol of designer furniture. It was born from the designers’ desire to offer a level of comfort comparable to that of a “well-worn baseball mitt.”

Design and history: the evolution of comfort
The Lounge Chair represents the culmination of the Eameses’ research into bentwood technology and its application to home comfort.
Engineering comfort: the structure consists of three molded plywood shells, connected by rubber and metal supports (shock mounts) that allow a slight dynamic flex, ensuring an exceptional relaxation experience.
Perfect synthesis: the design combines the efficiency of industrial production with attention to handcrafted detail, transforming a classic club chair into a modern sculpture that commands attention even as a standalone piece.

Lot condition:
The example offered at auction is in an unusual and rarer version, with a black lacquered shell and cognac-colored leather upholstery. The chair has undergone careful conservation restoration and is now in excellent condition, preserving the authentic spirit of the original piece.
Shells and metalwork: the black lacquered shells are in perfect condition, intact and free of structural defects. The aluminum parts are in excellent condition, with only very slight signs of use consistent with the object’s history.
Original period leather: the fine cognac leather upholstery is original to the period and has been exceptionally well preserved. It is intact and has a charming patina that only time can impart, showing only slight, natural signs of use that enhance its authenticity.
Authenticity: its originality and dating to the 1970s are attested to both by the “Herman Miller made by ICF” label preserved beneath the structure and by the code 670/B embossed in the aluminum base casting, a technical detail identifying the original foundry molds of the period. The construction details also provide further evidence of the high quality and originality of this ICF / Herman Miller piece.

Dimensions
Width: 81 cm
Depth: 90 cm
Height: 79 cm
Seat height: 40 cm

The Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
Charles and Ray Eames were not just designers, but true pioneers of global visual culture, influencing architecture, cinema, and postwar graphic design. Their approach, summed up in the motto “the best for the most for the least,” aimed to solve complex problems through simple, accessible aesthetic solutions. Their creative partnership combined Charles’s architectural rigor with Ray’s artistic and color sensibility, giving rise to objects that transcend time. Many of their creations are now part of the permanent collections of the world’s most important museums, including the MoMA in New York, testifying to a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of designers. The Lounge Chair remains, without a doubt, their greatest statement on the dignity of modern living.

The Manufacturer: ICF, Herman Miller
ICF production represents a golden chapter in European design, as it was one of the very few companies in the world to obtain an official license to produce the Eameses’ designs. Thanks to the extraordinary skill of Italian craftspeople, ICF was able to combine American industrial rigor with meticulous attention to detail and a carefully curated selection of materials. This has made these pieces particularly sought-after by international collectors for their superior construction precision and rarity.
Herman Miller is the American company that made the Lounge Chair immortal and has been a world leader in furniture design since 1905.

Shipping and insurance:
Our company, ORVETT, includes transport insurance in the stated shipping costs. For overseas shipping, the cost is indicative. We will provide a quote once the auction has ended, 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 Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
Herman Miller, ICF
Model
Lounge chair
Designer/artist/maker
Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Material
Aluminium, Leather, Wood
Style
Design
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
79 cm
Width
81 cm
Depth
90 cm
Estimated period
1970-1980
Seating height
40 cm
Sold by
ItalyVerified
1843
Objects sold
100%
protop

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