An exceptional Pierre Jeanneret Diwan, dating from 1956 and originally made for the M.L.A. Flats in Chandigarh, India.

Constructed with a substantial ceiba wood platform supported on wide V-Type Burmese teak legs, the piece was originally designed as a low upholstered Diwan. When we acquired it, the foam had begun to crumble and most of the original upholstery was already missing. What remained gave us a clear understanding of how the piece had originally been finished, but was no longer in a condition that could reasonably be retained.

We therefore decided to remove the remaining upholstery and deteriorated foam. Underneath we discovered the extraordinary surface that can now be seen: the original ceiba boards with varying remnants and traces of adhesive, together with rows of circular holes running across the platform.

As furniture dealers, we are always looking for large, low coffee tables, and really good ones do not come around particularly often. Once the upholstery had been removed, we immediately saw the potential of this piece. Rather than reupholster the Diwan and cover the surface again, we decided to retain it as we found it and propose the piece as a large coffee table.

The circular holes originally had a practical purpose, allowing air to move through the platform beneath the upholstered mattress. Without the upholstery they have become an unexpected part of the appearance of the piece, creating a repeated pattern across the heavily patinated top.

What interested us just as much was the construction underneath. The two wide V-Type leg assemblies are positioned towards the outer ends of the Diwan, leaving a considerable span between them. Jeanneret dealt with this through a carefully considered system of timber supports and diagonal braces beneath the platform, giving strength and rigidity to what is otherwise a remarkably simple-looking piece. Viewed from underneath, the construction is almost as interesting as the top itself.

Several years after we acquired the Diwan, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure was published and we were able to compare the piece directly with the original drawing. The profile and position of the V-Type legs, the proportions of the platform and, importantly, the structural arrangement beneath correspond closely with the drawing. For us, seeing these details documented after having already spent years with the piece was particularly satisfying.

The piece has been structurally restored by our trusted conservator. The Burmese teak legs were carefully waxed, while the ceiba top was only lightly cleaned and otherwise left alone. We deliberately retained the traces of adhesive, rows of ventilation holes, variations in colour, scratches and areas of wear rather than attempting to make the surface uniform. These are all part of the history of the piece and of its original life as an upholstered Diwan.

At 198 cm long and only 29 cm high, the proportions work exceptionally well as a substantial low coffee table. Despite its size, the low profile and splayed V-Type legs prevent it from feeling visually heavy, while the remarkable surface gives it a completely different character from a coffee table that was designed as such from the outset.

Over nearly nineteen years of specialising in Pierre Jeanneret, there is only a small number of pieces we have handled that we would personally describe as exceptional: pieces that, if space allowed, we would rather keep than sell. This is absolutely one of them.

We have subsequently owned two further examples of this Diwan. Both were great pieces, but for us this example is different. The depth and variation of the surface, the traces of its original upholstered life and the way the piece now works as a large low table make it particularly special. It is one of those pieces we are genuinely tempted to keep for our own collection and one we know we will miss once it leaves us.

We have extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling Pierre Jeanneret's work. Given the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces now on the market, we understand the importance of provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Chandigarh furniture. We are always happy to discuss these aspects in detail and answer any questions regarding the attribution, provenance or restoration of our Chandigarh pieces.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.