50th Anniversary Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Palisander Rosewood Veneer

Eames Office designs have historically been realized through a network of authorized manufacturing partners across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Since 1983, production has been entrusted exclusively to two licensees: Vitra, responsible for Europe and the Middle East, and Herman Miller, serving the United States and the rest of the world. Committed to the Eameses’ pursuit of comfort, craftsmanship, and industrial production, these partnerships have ensured both faithfulness to the original vision and the highest standards of manufacture.

In 2006, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman⁠—introduced in 1956⁠—both firms issued special limited editions honoring this enduring icon of twentieth-century design.

The present example, produced by Vitra, belongs to this commemorative series and retains its original plaque on the underside, denoting it as No. 1 of 999. Executed in Santos palisander veneer, a sustainable wood that echoes the wood used in earlier production models⁠—and upholstered in the finest-grade grey leather ⁠—it stands as a rare and highly collectible iteration of one of the most celebrated designs of the modern era.

When Ray and Charles Eames approached a design problem, they didn’t consider their work complete until every detail had been fully resolved to their satisfaction. That philosophy is especially evident when you tip one of their chairs on its side and study its underside. Far from being neglected because it is hidden from view, the underside is as complete and carefully considered as the most visible aspects of the chair, crafted from the same premium face Palisander used throughout the wood components. In this view, the Eames approach is notable not only in the grain of the wood but also in the symmetry of the four-point spider, which anchors and stabilizes the four-sided seat.

This example was presented to the Eames family, who continue to oversee furniture production and is now in the permanent collection of the Eames Institute.