Modern Icons: The Eames Bird
Original folk-art piece launches a thousand replicas
This darling little bird became famous by accident. Charles and Ray Eames were constantly rearranging the "collage" of items around their iconic home, and the original bird was a favorite piece of American folk art they used sometimes when styling photos. The little guy caught the eyes of Eames fans who wanted one for themselves.
Now, in cooperation with the Eames family and based upon 3D scans of the first carved bird, Vitra is creating reproductions for those who like to emulate the Eames right down to their own personal accessories.
Now, in cooperation with the Eames family and based upon 3D scans of the first carved bird, Vitra is creating reproductions for those who like to emulate the Eames right down to their own personal accessories.
Eames House Bird by Vitra
The wonderful little bird works well among a range of other objects composed on a shelf. This grouping also includes an iconic Nelson Sunflower clock.
Eames House Bird
Although the first bird came from Appalachia, the replica birds are carved in Germany from solid alder wood.
Eames House Bird by Vitra
Do you think the bird has this cat confused? This is one of my favorite product shots. However, we don't recommend using this bird as outdoor décor.
The bird completes a shelf at the home of architects Lauren and Kyle Zerbey. The Home Sweet Home artwork featuring the Eames plywood chair is by Etsy artist Jenn Ski.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
While birds and human snacks are never a great mix in the wild, they are a good combination in this contemporary kitchen. The bird offers small black accent where the eye can land.
It's fun to give the bird a high perch on what would usually be an empty spot atop a partial wall.
Kay from Kay Loves Vintage is an Eames fan and a saavy collector and arranger who doesn't need to emulate anyone. The fact that this bird made it into her extensive mid-century modern collection gives it extra points in my book.
See the rest of Kay's home
See the rest of Kay's home
At just 11" high (and about the same in length), it's rather remarkable that you can spot this little guy from a room or two away.
More:
5 Inspiring Mid-Century Homes
In Honor of Portlandia, Put a Bird on It
Eames: The Architect and the Painter
More about the Eameses, their work and their legacy
More:
5 Inspiring Mid-Century Homes
In Honor of Portlandia, Put a Bird on It
Eames: The Architect and the Painter
More about the Eameses, their work and their legacy