Presenting a striking and rare pair of mid-20th-century modernist lounge chairs, sourced from Chandigarh, India, and dating from the post-independence design renaissance. The chairs possess an unmistakable Tropical Modernist character, combining clean architectural geometry with the honest, time-honoured craftsmanship of Indian furniture making.

The designer remains unknown, although the architectural nature of the design suggests that the chairs may have been conceived by an architect or architectural practice active in Chandigarh during this period. The chairs display a highly functionalist approach, with strong geometric forms, substantial construction and deliberately uncompromising proportions. We have also encountered a desk chair from the same family of design in Ahmedabad, another Indian city where members of the Chandigarh architectural community were active.

Although we cannot attribute the chairs to a particular designer, their design language is highly evocative of the architecture and furniture produced in Chandigarh and the wider Indian modernist movement during the 1950s and 1960s. The chairs bear some stylistic similarities to furniture associated with Mini Boga and Taaru in Delhi, particularly in their use of substantial teak and woven natural fibres. However, having compared the chairs closely with documented examples of her work, we do not believe they can be attributed to Boga or Taaru. Instead, we feel they belong to the broader modernist design movement that developed in India during this period. It is this combination of architectural discipline, Indian materials and careful craftsmanship that makes the chairs particularly distinctive.

The frames are constructed from substantial, thick-set solid teak, showcasing a deep, warm grain and beautifully executed joinery. A defining feature is the expressive exposed construction. Overlapping bridle joints and prominent through-tenons create strong structural intersections at the arms and legs, forming bold geometric silhouettes where the construction itself becomes the primary decorative element.

Balancing the substantial weight of the timber, the deep seats and reclined backrests are formed from hand-woven, multi-strand flag halyard cord. Tensioned vertically across the horizontal rails, the cord provides a supportive and tactile seat while creating a semi-transparent, visually lightweight profile that allows light to pass through the frame.

We originally found these chairs as part of a set of ten, sourced from a block of private residences in Chandigarh. This is the last pair we have, and we had originally intended to keep them for our private collection rather than offer them for sale.

When we first acquired the chairs, they were strung with jute. Although jute is a beautiful and authentic material, it has a tendency to stretch over time. We decided to re-string this pair using flag halyard cord, a material we particularly love and had previously used on a Hans Wegner halyard chair in our personal collection. The result has worked exceptionally well. The halyard cord is stronger and more resilient, while also providing what we feel is a more comfortable sit.

These are not pieces we expect to have the opportunity to acquire again, making this a reluctant sale. Having originally intended to keep them for our own collection, we will nevertheless be very pleased to see them find a considered home where their character, craftsmanship and architectural qualities can be appreciated.

With their low-slung architectural stance and tactile combination of rugged teak and woven fibre, this rare pair makes a commanding statement in any interior. They are an evocative example of the distinctive design language that emerged in India during the decades following independence.

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.