Exploring the Fascinating World of Eames Ornaments

The Legacy of Charles and Ray Eames

The Eames’ were a husband and wife design duo who revolutionized design industries through their innovative and modern creations. They are best known for their upholstered furniture pieces, but they also had an impact on many other areas of design. One of their lesser known pursuits was their creation of unique brass ornaments.

Overview of Eames Ornaments

Eames Ornaments were produced between 1941 and 1967. The ornaments were made from brass and were given different finishes such as gold or silver. They came in various shapes and sizes, including sunburst, heart, star and even geometric shapes. Their intricate designs were etched into the brass using a jeweler’s saw, before being polished and finished.

The Inspiration Behind Eames Ornaments

The Eames’ were inspired by the beauty of nature and their ornaments often reflected a love of organic forms. Charles once wrote that, “Nature is the ultimate teacher” and this clearly influenced their work. The sunburst and star shapes, for example, are clearly inspired by celestial bodies. Their designs were not limited to motifs from nature however; they also incorporated geometric forms and motifs from various cultures.

Collecting Eames Ornaments

Eames Ornaments are now highly collectible and can fetch high prices at auction. A single ornament can sell for several hundred dollars depending on its rarity and condition. Some collectors aim to complete the entire Eames Ornament collection, which consists of over 200 pieces. However, this is a difficult and expensive task, as many of the ornaments are incredibly rare.

Eames Ornaments in Design Today

While Eames Ornaments were originally intended as small decorative objects, they have since become popular collectible and design elements. Current designers look back on these retro objects and use their intricate designs as inspiration for new projects.

In conclusion, Eames Ornaments remain a testament to the Eames’ legacy, reminding us of their creativity, ingenuity and love of design. It’s fascinating to explore their work and discover the interplay between form, function and aesthetics that they so skillfully achieved.