This is a particularly interesting Pierre Jeanneret Linen / Laundry Box, dating from 1956 and made for the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Flats in Chandigarh.

Produced in teak with four sides of woven cane, the box has a simple and highly considered construction that is typical of Jeanneret’s approach to practical furniture.

The box opens from the top, with the woven cane sides allowing ventilation while keeping the contents enclosed. The combination of solid teak and open cane gives the piece a pleasing balance of weight and lightness, while the restrained form allows the natural materials and construction to remain the focus.

We particularly like the four woven cane sides, which give the box a much lighter appearance than a conventional timber storage piece. The cane has been newly replaced and toned down to give it a beautifully aged appearance, with natural variations in colour and texture that give the piece considerable character. The teak has similarly developed a warm, naturally aged patina, and the combination of the two materials is particularly successful.

Originally made for the MLA Flats, the box was designed for everyday domestic use rather than as a decorative object. This is part of what we find so appealing about Jeanneret’s Chandigarh furniture. Even the most utilitarian pieces were carefully considered in terms of proportion, construction and material, resulting in furniture that remains both practical and visually distinctive today.

The top-opening design makes the box useful for storing linen, blankets or other items, while its architectural simplicity allows it to work equally well as a practical storage piece or as a more sculptural object within an interior. We have also made flat, ply-lined cushions for the tops in the past, giving the boxes an additional use as stools.

The box retains a strong sense of its original character, with the aged teak and woven cane recording the effects of time and use. We like the way the natural wear and patina of the materials give the piece a sense of history that is difficult to reproduce in later examples.

This is a model that was extensively remade after its first production, with later examples often lacking the same level of detail and consideration found in the original construction. This difference is something we have found to be noticeable when comparing the construction and proportions of the earlier examples.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years and have extensive experience identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his 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 authenticity, provenance or restoration of our Jeanneret 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.