Herman Miller Eames Appraisal

Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

The item is an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a classic Modernist design. It features a striking contrast between the dark black upholstery and the light-colored bent plywood shell. The chair consists of a headrest, backrest, seat, and two armrests, all generously padded with tufted black cushions creating a luxurious, inviting appearance. The ottoman mirrors the design of the chair's seat, providing a cohesive aesthetic. The main physical characteristic is the molded plywood shell, which appears to be a light-toned wood, possibly rosewood or walnut given its typical construction, visible along the edges of all upholstered sections and forming the structural frame. The upholstery is black leather, exhibiting significant signs of wear and tear. Most notably, the right armrest shows severe degradation, with large sections of the black leather flaked off, revealing a lighter, yellowish underlayer or lining. Other areas of the leather, particularly on the seat and ottoman, display wrinkles, scuffs, and minor abrasions consistent with prolonged use. The overall construction points to a mid-20th-century design, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, a hallmark of the Eames aesthetic. While no specific maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided images, the distinctive design strongly indicates its origin as a Herman Miller or Vitra production, which are the authorized manufacturers. The chair likely sits on a swiveling aluminum base, though only a small part is visible. Despite the condition issues, the iconic form and high-quality materials (plywood and leather) suggest an item of significant design pedigree and craftsmanship.