The Playful Spirit of the Eames Elephant: A Mid-Century Icon Reimagined
When Charles and Ray Eames first began experimenting with molded plywood in the 1940s, few could have imagined how far their playful ideas would travel. Among their whimsical early prototypes—a frog, a seal, a horse—one creation stood out in both charm and enduring appeal: the Eames Elephant.
Originally designed in 1945 as part of an exploration into joyful, functional objects, the Elephant was never mass-produced at the time. Only two plywood prototypes were created—cutting-edge for the era, but too advanced for manufacturing technology of the day. Still, the vision behind it never disappeared.
Decades later, Vitra brought the Eames Elephant back into production, staying faithful to the original spirit while reimagining it for the modern home. Today, this iconic piece is available in various forms—from warm American cherry plywood to colorful, durable polypropylene designed for indoor or outdoor play.
What’s remarkable about the Eames Elephant is its ability to transcend age. It’s playful enough to delight children, yet sophisticated enough to sit proudly in a designer’s studio or a living room filled with mid-century treasures. Even the Museum of Modern Art in New York has recognized its cultural importance, including it in their permanent collection.
Though simple in form—just two elegant curves of molded plywood joined together—the Eames Elephant captures the essence of Charles and Ray’s philosophy: that design should be imaginative, democratic, and full of life. It's not just a toy, but a celebration of design optimism that continues to resonate nearly 80 years later.
| Product type | Eames Plywood Elephant |
| Dimensions |  1. Height, rear: 12.9" 2. Length: 30.9" 3. Height, front: 16.33" 4. Width: 13.78" |
| Material | Moulded plywood with deck veneer in American Cherry |
| Care | To clean, a soft, damp cloth and a mild neutral detergent are recommended. |
| Museums | Museum of Modern Art, New York |
| Certificates & Sustainability | Vitra conform to ISO 90001: 2008 (Quality management systems) ISO 14001: 2004 (Environmental management systems) |
