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Charles and Ray Eames Abstract Sculptures

American

Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. The Eameses were lovers of folk craft who had a genius for making highly original chairs, tables, case pieces and other furniture using traditional materials and forms.

As furniture designers, filmmakers, artists, textile and graphic designers and even toy and puzzle makers, the Eameses were a visionary and effective force for the notion that design should be an agent of positive change. They are the happy, ever-curious, ever-adventurous faces of modernism.

Charles Eames (1907–78) studied architecture and industrial design. Ray Eames (née Beatrice Alexandra Kaiser, 1912–88) was an artist, who studied under the Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit (the legendary institution where Charles also met his frequent collaborator Eero Saarinen and the artist and designer Harry Bertoia) and married the next year.

His technical skills and her artistic flair were wonderfully complementary. They moved to Los Angeles in 1941, where Charles worked on set design for MGM. In the evenings at their apartment, they experimented with molded plywood using a handmade heat-and-pressurization device they called the “Kazam!” machine. The next year, they won a contract from the U.S. Navy for lightweight plywood leg splints for wounded servicemen — vintage Eames splints are coveted collectibles today; more so those that Ray used to make sculptures.

The Navy contract allowed Charles to open a professional studio, and the attention-grabbing plywood furniture the firm produced prompted George Nelson, the director of design of the furniture-maker Herman Miller Inc., to enlist Charles and (by association, if not by contract) Ray in 1946. Some of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the Eames chair, the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel.

The Eameses eagerly embraced new technology and materials, and one of their peculiar talents was to imbue their supremely modern design with references to folk traditions. 

Their Wire chair group of the 1950s, for example, was inspired by basket weaving techniques. The populist notion of “good design for all” drove their molded fiberglass chair series that same decade, and also produced the organic-form, ever-delightful La Chaise. In 1956 the Eames lounge chair and ottoman appeared — the supremely comfortable plywood-base-and-leather-upholstery creation that will likely live in homes as long as there are people with good taste and sense.

Charles Eames once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” For very good collectors and thoughtful interior designers, a piece of design by the Eameses, the closer produced to original conception the better, is almost de rigueur — for its beauty and comfort, and not least as a tribute to the creative legacy and enduring influence of Charles and Ray Eames.

The original Eames furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes chairs, tables, case pieces and other items.

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Creator: Charles and Ray Eames
Classic Modernist Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Lounge Chair, Zenith
Classic Modernist Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Lounge Chair, Zenith

Classic Modernist Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Lounge Chair, Zenith

By Herman Miller, Zenith, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Buffalo, NY

First generation, circa 1950 Charles and Ray Eames. Museum quality, sea foam green arm shell lounge chair made by Zenith Plastic Co./ Herman Miller. Features amazing exposed fibers, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Charles and Ray Eames Abstract Sculptures

Materials

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Eames Leg Splint In Original Paper Wrapper Evans Products Co. Birch Plywood 1943
Eames Leg Splint In Original Paper Wrapper Evans Products Co. Birch Plywood 1943

Eames Leg Splint In Original Paper Wrapper Evans Products Co. Birch Plywood 1943

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Monrovia, CA

1 Leg Splint In Original Paper Wrapper, Evans Products Co., And Is Sealed. 1 Leg Splint Designed For The Navy, For The United States Of America, Made Of Birch Plywood In 1943. Stock...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Charles and Ray Eames Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Birch, Paper

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Large Beautiful and Highly Decorative Natural Sea Shell #5
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Previously Available Items
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Eames Molded Plywood Splint
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Charles & Ray Eames Leg Splint Evans Products 1943 Original Evans Product Label
Charles & Ray Eames Leg Splint Evans Products 1943 Original Evans Product Label

Charles & Ray Eames Leg Splint Evans Products 1943 Original Evans Product Label

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Monrovia, CA

CHARLES EAMES LEG SPLINT EVANS PRODUCTS 1943. Charles Eames Leg Splint In Original Paper Wrapper Evans Products Company Eames Birch Plywood Leg Splint 1943 Charles Ray Eames Mid Century Modern. Evans Products Molded Plywood Leg Splint 1943. Authentic Charles Eames Leg Splint Of Birch Plywood For Transportation. Charles And Ray Eames Design. 1 Vintage 1943 CHARLES EAMES SPLINT Leg Plywood For Transportation In Original Paper Wrapping With Original Vintage EVANS Products Label. Never Been Unwrapped. WW2 Leg Splint For The United States Navy. Charles and Ray Eames Leg Splint...

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Mid-Century Modern Charles & Ray Eames Wood Leg Splint Sculpture 1940s
Mid-Century Modern Charles & Ray Eames Wood Leg Splint Sculpture 1940s

Mid-Century Modern Charles & Ray Eames Wood Leg Splint Sculpture 1940s

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is this rare Charles & Ray Eames sculptural leg splint, designed for the US Navy, this iconic sculpture was crafted using birch and molded plywood. Dimensions:...

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Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company

Located in Chicago, IL

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Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans with Mahogany Veneer
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans with Mahogany Veneer

Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans with Mahogany Veneer

By Evans Products Company, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Chicago, IL

These leg splints were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced for the United States Navy by the Evans Products Company, molded plywood division. This one is still in its orig...

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Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company

Located in Chicago, IL

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Charles and Ray Eames Plywood Folding Screen / Divider, , F S 6, , , Herman Miller
Charles and Ray Eames Plywood Folding Screen / Divider, , F S 6, , , Herman Miller

Charles and Ray Eames Plywood Folding Screen / Divider, , F S 6, , , Herman Miller

By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Buffalo, NY

Stunning vintage plywood divider by Charles and Ray Eames, for Herman Miller. Model “FSW-6” (folding screen wood) was designed and released to market in 1946. Consists of six adjusta...

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Vintage Plywood Screen or Divider by Charles and Ray Eames
Vintage Plywood Screen or Divider by Charles and Ray Eames

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By Charles and Ray Eames

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Stunning vintage plywood divider by Charles and Ray Eames, for Herman Miller. Model “FSW-6” (folding screen wood) was designed and released to market in ...

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Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper

By Evans Products Company, Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Chicago, IL

These leg splints were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced for the United States Navy by the Evans Products Company, molded plywood division. They're still in their origin...

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Charles And Ray Eames abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Charles and Ray Eames abstract sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Charles and Ray Eames abstract sculptures, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original abstract sculptures by Charles and Ray Eames were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider abstract sculptures by Charles Eames, Herman Miller, and Austin Productions. Prices for Charles and Ray Eames abstract sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,400 and can go as high as $5,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,600.
Questions About Charles and Ray Eames Abstract Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    Charles and Ray Eames were related by marriage. Charles studied architecture and industrial design. Ray (née Bernice Alexandra Kaiser) was an artist who studied under painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit and married the next year. Shop a selection of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Charles and Ray Eames are famous for their chair designs. The couple released their first iconic Eames Lounge and Ottoman in 1956 and went on to create more chairs that changed the idea of comfortable seating. In addition to being great furniture designers, Ray and Charles were also graphic and textile designers, architects and film-makers. Shop a collection of Eames chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Charles and Ray Eames have been recognized as the 20th century’s most influential designers and are best known for their highly recognizable chairs. The Eames lounge chair and ottoman are an iconic duo in modern-styled furniture, and s​ome of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel. Find vintage Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    For Charles and Ray Eames’ chairs designed for Herman Miller, molded plywood, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, bent and welded wire mesh, and cast aluminum were used in production. You can shop a collection of Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Rosewood was the favorite wood of famed American designers Charles and Ray Eames. Rosewood made its way into some of the duo’s most celebrated designs, including the iconic Eames lounge chair. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of genuine Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, Charles Eames chairs are comfortable. The Eameses — Charles and Ray — were fascinated by ergonomics and designed chairs with comfort in mind. The legendary mid-century modernist designer-couple famously called their Eames lounge chair and ottoman “a special refuge from the strains of modern living” and described their design as having the “warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”

    While the couple’s DCW chairs, introduced in the 1940s, prioritized ease of production and affordability of materials, the Eames lounger, which debuted in 1956, was Charles and Ray’s interpretation of luxury furniture. And to the Eameses, luxury meant, above all, comfort.

    Find vintage Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.