Featured Eames "See Things" tray - 1958 - Stimulus Group Textiles for Schiffer

This was just bugging me, so I had to hunker down and get it done.

I've found 2 things based on a collection of textiles commissioned by Schiffer in the late 50s. Most of those who contributed had never designed textiles. The group included George Nelson, Paul McCobb, Edward Wormley, Bernard Rudofsky and Salvador Dali.

I found this tray by Eames based on her textile design "See Things," later licensed to Waverly Products. It's a unicorn, I think - I was never able to find a black one.

It was coated with a layer of grink I had to dissolve with non-fuming Easy Off!

I included her original pattern and the Waverly Mark. Sorry for the janky images





I knew nothing about this until I unearthed this "China Shop" fabric by George Nelson... I'll include links later with additional info - thought it was good, fun "keep your eyes peeled" material They're very collectible and easily sold!

 

And the suspense builds!....

 

Just a blur of activity today!

 

So far the only black and gold one was posted on a design forum by someone named Scoutshouse. .

 

Wonder who that was......

 

I think Nelson should have included a little bull hidden somewhere, like Waldo.

 

Bull in a China Shop?

 

Maybe you should ask on this site. They are unaware of a black & gold version. But if yours is legit, could bring $$$$

https://www.eames.com/products/orig...-serving-tray-blue-gold?variant=7744654540828

 

See also:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9798835_706-ray-eames-sea-things-tray-by-waverly-products

 

... Did you notice the crickets over there?

Yes, I did - he said that was uploaded by a seller, and they don't authenticate. He confirmed there was a black one (but their site is not bonifide (as far as I know).

Sorry for the gibberish - my phone and computer are trying to sync.

 

That's a start. My cats type sometimes too.

 

https://www.maharam.com/press_releases/24

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_and_Ray_Eames

The top link is from wiki references #15 regarding sea life.

 

There are some very good Mid Century pages on FB probably even one dedicated to Eames

 

Thanks, everyone - I have been muddling around with some family issues... This message got a little out of hand - it got trifurcated between researching Schiffer Stimulus Group textiles, comps/pricing and giving tips on other products FROM the collection.

I could use some help/opinions on how to list this...
Either 7 day BIN OBOs at $900??
7 day auction starting at $400??
and see what happens??

There are so few recent auctions, what we'd normally do is take an average of the retail prices out there and work with half of that. 1st Dibs always blows the curve on that formula - they're asking $1900 for a smaller square one! another small square on etsy is $762.

I assume the market has gone a little soft on these. But they are still rare and I never did locate another in this color, so I'm really just guessing here. Their cachet stems from their geeky textile design history, as much as rarity. The Stimulus Group was shown in the Architectural League show in 1947 - the trays made around 1954.

On authenticity: The fact that people stated categorically that these were only made in aqua/gold or white/black was what made me question whether this one was authentic at all. But the pattern on the tray does match exactly the upper right vertical portion of the original drawing; and the dimensions and mark checks out. I requested archival information from Eames Office (their official site).

Further reading on Schiffer textiles
Artistic Legacy of Schiffer Prints - Jeffrey Head
Modern Catalogue 2018 - Cora Ginsburg

Cool trivet(!) sold on Wright Auctions for $1380 (in 2002) - goes to show there was more variety than some may have mentioned in their descriptions. More goofy stuff to look out for - basically, Stimulus prints got used on a lot of things, including Dunbar furniture.



Some patterns from the Stimulus Group were reproduced by Vitra in the last 10 years (Sea Things was discontinued, so good collectible). Some can also be found on - Bolt A Best trays (look like cafeteria trays)

Thanks, @i need help - I believe Maharam currently uses "Sea Things" in upholstery fabric in three different color combinations.

And got crickets!

 

Either 7 day BIN OBOs at $900??

go for the gold.......u can always lower it........

 

Did you ever sell the tray? If not, I'd be interested.

 

the thread is from Oct 2018...... and...

A - Offers to buy, sell or trade by individuals and/or dealers are not permitted in any way, shape or form in threads and/or posts. If you wish to make such an offer, contact the other party by Private Message or email.

but I'm in a good mood so lets see if @scoutshouse is around...

 

I sold it on ebay... !