Cane PJ-SI-33-C Bench by Pierre Jeanneret, 1950s

This item expresses a specific rawness. There is no need for precise execution or the desire to appear sophisticated. It is simple, self-evident, and direct. It is made out of basic elements. The limitations of the craftsmen’s workshop in Chandigarh allowed for the development of their own language: essential and cleared of everything irrelevant. It’s not industrial design. Each piece is slightly different, where the imprecision and imperfection offer an enriching quality. Signs of age, patina, and the traces of use enhance the character of this piece. The surfaces of the seats are done in cane. Contrasting the massive wooden parts, which frame it nicely, cane expresses a lightness with its transparency. The geometrical patterns of the canework create a charming shadowscape. We do the caning like it was done in Chandigarh. We use durable and thicker cane. All massive wood parts are authentic. They are done in Indian teak. Rich in texture, the wood is vivid and comes in whiskey 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 item is engraved on the side with lettering, which makes it more valuable. Chandigarh items are famous for A-shaped legs, also known as compass legs. On the inner side, the edges are sharper, while the outer edges are rounded. The legs are a unique structure that frames the void between them while distributing the weight of the object. Here it is obvious that Pierre Jeanneret, together with Jean Prouvé and Le Corbusier, had a structural, not decorative, expression. 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. As a bench, it fits nicely in front of a bed, under an art piece, in a hall, or even as a side table. It defines or separates a space with its horizontal feature. 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: Edition Galerie Patrick Seguin, ‘Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: Chandigarh, India’ (Paris: Galerie Patrick Seguin, 2014), 565.