a set of four caned teak PJ-010100T chairs, known as 'Office cane chairs' or 'Secretariat Chairs', painted 'PU' in Punjab for Punjabi University
78.5 x 50 x 49.5cm

Pierre Jeanneret, a Swiss-French architect and designer, played a pivotal role in shaping the modernist identity of Chandigarh, India’s first planned city after independence.

Born in Geneva in 1896, Jeanneret graduated from the École des Beaux-Arts in 1921. He collaborated closely with his cousin, the legendary modernist Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret), on seminal projects like the iconic Villa Savoye and co-authored the influential Five Points of Architecture. While Le Corbusier’s contributions to modernist architecture are widely and exhaustively celebrated, it was Jeanneret’s work in Chandigarh that truly distinguished him, demonstrating his mastery of functional and context-sensitive design.

The city of Chandigarh was conceived as a symbol of India’s aspirations in the wake of independence in 1947. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned a modern, planned city for Punjab to reflect the country’s commitment to progress and growth. While Le Corbusier drafted the city’s master plan, Jeanneret stayed on-site for over fifteen years, overseeing the design and construction of its buildings, residences, and furniture. His approach combined modernist ideals with local materials and techniques, ensuring that the city’s architecture was both practical and in harmony with its environment.

Jeanneret’s visual language was characterised by simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. His architectural designs often featured sloping roofs, open layouts, and perforated concrete screens, which provided natural ventilation and light in Chandigarh’s warm climate. He also used local materials like teak and rattan, as seen in the present lots, blending modern design principles with regional traditions. His most iconic contribution was the Chandigarh Chair, designed for government offices and educational institutions. With its distinctive V-shaped legs, angular frame, and woven cane seat, the chair exemplified his commitment to creating furniture that was both practical and aesthetically refined.

Although Jeanneret’s designs were utilitarian in their time, they have since gained global recognition. The Chandigarh Chair, once a common feature of institutional spaces, is now a highly coveted collector’s item, prized for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship. This revival has sparked renewed appreciation for Jeanneret’s broader contributions, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of modernist design.

Jeanneret’s work in Chandigarh remains a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, human-centred design. His buildings and furniture continue to embody the city’s spirit of progress and innovation, demonstrating how modernism can enrich daily life while respecting local context and culture.

Condition Report

There is one chair with one repair on its arm and another chair with two repairs on its arms. All chairs have sections of fading, some scratches and dings. Please see additional images.