Mid-Century Modern PJ-SI-06-A Armless Chair by Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1953

As a prototype, it is much more free, less afraid to fail. Apart from its importance as an early piece with specific development, it was never made in larger quantities. An item which is interesting for collectors and connoisseurs. It is a one-of-a-kind piece – unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quality. An artefact for collectors and connoisseurs. A piece without any compromises. Highly valuable, rarely even offered by auction houses. However, it comes with a price. All massive wood parts are authentic. They are done in Indian teak. Rich in texture, the wood is vivid and comes in cognac colour. The surface is treated with shellac and there are several layers of original shellac. It provides smooth irregular gloss different from that of the sterile lacquerware nowadays. Charming irregularities show that each piece is unique. The seat and the backrest are subtly carved out, which was unusual for Chandigarh items. Bended iron rods that carry the chair intersect with the seat, creating a subtle detail of designer’s genius. It appears that the whole iron structure is bended out of a single rod, starting at one side of the backrest, forming an N letter, bending in the front while going through the wood and continuing to the other side of the backrest in the same manner. I think the piece blends well with many interior styles. It can support pure, modern aesthetics by giving them a warmer character with its natural materials and warm colours. By itself, this masterpiece is an eye-catcher, enriching each interior. P! Galerie’s selection is mainly focused on rare French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouvé, Le Corbusier, and Charlotte Perriand. Artefacts from our carefully curated collection are handpicked, and all traces and important indicators of authenticity are evaluated professionally. We try to preserve as much of patina as possible during the process of restoration, as it defines these historic pieces. Each object comes with a certificate of authenticity, offering you the opportunity to own a valuable artefact originating from a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Not only do we cooperate with museums and offer auction houses our services and expert opinion, we also look forward to welcoming you as a private collector and connoisseur. Literature: Eric Touchaleaume and Gerald Moreau, ‘Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure, Design-Art-Architecture’ (Paris: Gourcuff Gradenigo, 2011), 275, 557. Provenance: This specific object has been exhibited as a provenance in CH-DSGN, 2023, The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat.