Eames Cats Cradle Chair, Eames LAR Chair

Quick Intro

What is an Eames LAR Chair?

The Eames LAR Cats Cradle Chair or abbreviated Low (L) Height, Arm (A) Chair on Rod (R) Base was one of the ‘original 5’ of base types the fiberglass shell chairs were released with, in 1950. Essentially designed as a lounge height chair, the LAR base developed the popular common name ‘Cats Cradle’ and remains a favorite with collectors today.

The Eames LAR Chair was certainly a masterful design, different from any of the other options of the ‘original 5’ and providing a third lounge option for the plastic chair series along with the RAR and LAX (DAX Variant). It was also quite a contrast to the stark and traditional typical seating designs of the 1940’s and 1950’s. The rod wire base was bent into shape to provide two horizontal struts to connect with the floor and give the almost triangular visual.

The original 5 bases released in the 1950 first generation included the rocking RAR, the Eiffel DAR, the dowel leg DAW and four legged DAX along with the LAR. The Eames Cats Cradle Chair never went on to sell in the same numbers as the other variants but did last until Herman Miller discontinued production of it in the middle of the 1960’s. The LAR was sadly not resurrected as part of Herman Miller’s re-introduction of the plastic series of chairs in 2001 but was later with the fiberglass re-releases.

Strangely, a side chair version using the ‘cats cradle’ base was never actually produced or advertised for re-sale, even though it could theoretically be put together by customization. It was however used on the wire series LKR.

The name ‘cats cradle’ originated from the age-old game involving two hands and string being wound to create gridiron patterns. It is fair to say there is a resemblance in the LAR base to the pattern of the game.

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Specification

What are the original sizes of the Eames LAR Arm Chair?

Height	24.25”	61.60 cm
Width	24.875”	63.18 cm
Depth	24.5”	62.23 cm
Seat Height	12.25”	31.12 cm

What materials was the Eames LAR arm chair made from?

Top	Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic)
Base	Steel Rod Frame, Bright Zinc or Black Oxide
Feet	None

Buying Tips and Authenticity

Is my Eames LAR chair real? What makes it valuable?

The shell tops are always authenticated by the label and stamp of the generation of shell. There are signs too even if the label is missing.
The LAR base is not stamped with the makers mark which makes it more difficult to tell
Check the top of the LAR base and review the 4 connecting brackets, they should be welded to the frame, be rectangular and have a small indentation which is characteristic of original bases. (see images)
Check the finish to ensure they are zinc plated (most are) or black, not chromed.
The LAR may not be the most copied base type but they have been targeted by the reproduction market

As with all shells, the overall value is down to the rarity of the color, and of course the condition.
Earlier first generation shells with original LAR bases are the highest value along with later upholstered versions with special Girard prints.
Check shells for damage, most notably chips and cracks (including repaired ones) and shock mount bleeding as this can reduce value
Check the shell shock mounts for impressions that the LAR base has always been there. (if being sold as completely original)
Groups of 2 or more LAR chairs can add to the value as lounge options in pairs are highly desirable