Modern Icons: The Eames Bird

Original folk-art piece launches a thousand replicas

Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.

Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »

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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.

by nestliving - CLOSED »

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Eames House Bird by Vitra - $210.00 »

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.

by Design Within Reach »

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Eames House Bird - $210.00 »

Although the first bird came from Appalachia, the replica birds are carved in Germany from solid alder wood.

by Stardust »

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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.

by Studio Zerbey »

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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.

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by The Sky is the Limit Design »

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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.

by Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech »

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It's fun to give the bird a high perch on what would usually be an empty spot atop a partial wall.

by Kaylovesvintage »

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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