670/671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman Designer: Ray Eames (American, 1912–1988)
Designer: Charles Eames (American, 1907–1978)
Manufacturer: Herman Miller, Inc. (American, founded 1923)

designed 1956

American Decorative Arts

Not on view

This chair and ottoman became the preeminent male status symbol in interior furnishings following its market appearance in the late 1950s. The chair would have been an expensive luxury, but one that offered ample comfort. The adjustable recliner, with its various settings and options, embodied aggressive, dynamic relaxation. By 1975 one hundred thousand had been sold.

Medium

Molded plywood and rosewood veneers, cast aluminum, black leather-covered latex foam, and down upholstery

Credit Line

Gift of Herman Miller, Inc.

Accession Number

1973.106.4a-b

Geography

Made in Zeeland, Michigan

Culture

American

Period

20th century

Classification

Furniture

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Gift of Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, Mich.
Bibliography
  • Patricia E. Kane, 300 Years of American Seating Furniture Chairs and Beds from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University (Boston: New York Graphic Society, 1976), 292-293, no. 280, ill
  • "Acquisitions, 1973," Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin 35, no. 1 (Summer 1974), 85
Object copyright
Copyright Artist/Estate/Foundation
In Copyright
Additional information

Object/Work type

lounge chairs, ottomans

Inscriptions

A black paper label with silver writing under the seat of both pieces reads "herman miller" preceded by an M-shaped logo.

Technical metadata and APIs

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