3rd Generation Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood

Few pieces of furniture define modern design as completely as the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (model 670/671). Introduced in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, the chair quickly became the benchmark for modern luxury—combining innovative molded plywood construction with the comfort and warmth of a traditional club chair.

This particular example is a Second-generation production from the 1970's featuring one of the most desirable and increasingly scarce materials ever used on the chair: Brazilian rosewood.

The molded plywood shells are faced in Brazilian rosewood veneer, a species prized for its dramatic grain movement and deep coloration. During the mid-20th century, rosewood was widely used by the greatest designers of the era—Eames, George Nelson, and others—because of its extraordinary beauty and durability. However, by the late 20th century Brazilian rosewood had become heavily protected due to deforestation and overharvesting. Today the species is regulated internationally under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and cannot be harvested or exported for commercial furniture production.

As a result, authentic vintage examples of Eames Lounge Chairs with Brazilian rosewood shells have become increasingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. Modern production chairs now use walnut or other species, making the rosewood versions a true artifact of the original era of Mid-Century Modern design.

The shells on this chair display beautifully expressive grain patterns, with flowing and highly figured rosewood grain and color. Each rosewood chair is unique—no two chairs are ever exactly alike—which gives every vintage example its own character and visual depth.

Complementing the wood is a set of supple Italian black leather cushions, providing the classic contrast that made the Eames Lounge Chair famous. The cushions are generously padded, creating the relaxed, slightly reclined posture that defines the chair’s legendary comfort.

The Lounge Chair was famously described by Charles Eames as having the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” Nearly seventy years later, that vision continues to resonate. The chair manages to feel both luxurious and approachable, sculptural yet deeply comfortable.

For collectors and design enthusiasts, rosewood examples like this represent an important chapter in modern design history—when experimentation with new materials, manufacturing techniques, and bold aesthetics reshaped how furniture could be made and experienced.

This piece has been carefully restored and is structurally sound, comfortable, and ready for daily use, while preserving the authenticity and character that make vintage Eames chairs so compelling.

At Hobbs Modern, we believe pieces like this are more than furniture—they are living design history, meant to be used, appreciated, and passed down.

Why this example matters:
Beautiful Rosewood shells with striking light rosewood grain.

Round cushion clips (indicate 1960s production)

Feathers, Foam, & leather upholstery (factory spec for this period)

Herman Miller Label to underside of chair.
Condition:
Overall: Excellent vintage condition, fully functional, and very comfortable.

Leather: Attractive Italian Full Aniline Black Leather.

Shells: Rosewood presents with lively figure and depth.

Hardware / mounts: 4 new shock mounts (under the arm which is the most important structural aspect of the chair)

Dimensions: Standard Size