Charles & Ray Eames
La Chaise, 1948
Shell: polyester resin, white lacquer finish.
Base: chrome-plated tubular steel.
Cruciform base: solid natural oak, protective
natural lacquer finish.
Origin of wood: oak (Quercus robur) from
Western Europe and/or Poland.
57 ¾ x 34 ¼ x 34 ¾ in.
(146.7 x 87 x 88 cm)
The Eames La Chaise. A piece of furniture so iconic, it’s like a celebrity. It’s been featured in movies, TV shows, and magazines. It’s even been parodied. But there’s no denying that it’s a damn fine piece of design.
Charles and Ray Eames designed the La Chaise in 1948 for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art. They were inspired by the sculpture Floating Figure, by Gaston Lachaise. The La Chaise is a big, bold chair, with a voluptuous shape that’s both inviting and challenging. It’s made of two molded fiberglass shells, supported by a chrome-plated steel frame and oak base. The La Chaise is a versatile chair. You can sit in it, recline in it, or even lie down in it. It’s perfect for reading, napping, or just relaxing and taking in the world around you.
The La Chaise is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a work of art. It’s a statement. It’s a reminder that good design can be both functional and beautiful. If you’re lucky enough to own a La Chaise, cherish it. It’s a piece of design history that will last for generations.
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