Early 1956 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood and Black Italian Leather
A true collector’s piece and one of the most coveted icons of 20th-century design, this early 1956 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman represents the very first chapter of production — the moment when a modern classic was born.
Crafted with highly figured Brazilian rosewood shells, this example displays the dramatic cathedral grain, rich chocolate tones, and depth of color that made early rosewood models so desirable and increasingly rare today. The wood alone places this chair among the most sought-after variants for serious collectors.
The cushions have been newly upholstered in premium Italian black leather, filled with down feathers for the relaxed, luxurious sit Ray and Charles Eames originally intended — soft, enveloping, and exceptionally comfortable. The arms retain their original upholstery, showing honest patina and light wear that speak to authenticity and age — a detail many collectors prefer over over-restoration.
This chair is firmly rooted in the earliest 1956 production, confirmed by hallmark first-generation features:
• 3-screw backrest construction
• Bronze bushings at the back supports
• Original boot glides
• Brazilian rosewood shells with strong figuring
• Early production hardware and proportions
These construction elements were quickly phased out, making surviving examples with these details increasingly scarce and highly desirable.
The Collector’s Perspective
The Eames Lounge Chair is widely considered the most important lounge chair of the modern era — the chair that redefined comfort, luxury, and mass production. Early first-year examples like this are the equivalent of a “first edition” in the design world: rarer, more historically significant, and consistently appreciating in value.
For collectors, designers, and serious enthusiasts, this is not simply seating — it is museum-level design history you can live with.
Condition
New Italian leather with down fill
Original arms with attractive patina
Beautifully preserved rosewood shells
Structurally sound and ready for daily use
Contact us if you have questions or want to come experience a true icon.
