A rare and authentic set of three Pierre Jeanneret low stools, originally from the Post Graduate Institute in Chandigarh, India, dating from circa 1960.

The stools are characteristic of Jeanneret’s furniture for Chandigarh, where practical requirements and straightforward construction were combined with a strong architectural sensibility. Their compact scale, solid teak seats and painted-iron frames make them particularly good examples of the functional modernism developed for the city’s institutional buildings.

Each stool has a substantial circular seat made from solid Burmese teak. The timber has developed a deep, rich patina through many decades of use, with natural variation in colour and grain. The seats are gently dished, a small but characteristic detail that softens the otherwise substantial form of the timber and makes the stools surprisingly comfortable.

The teak tops are supported on simple painted-iron tripod bases. Three tapered legs meet beneath the seat and are connected by an intersecting triangular footrest, creating a precise geometric structure beneath the organic form of the timber. The contrast between the heavy circular teak and the slender iron framework is particularly effective.

Having spent decades in institutional use, the stools retain a considerable amount of historic character. The painted-iron bases show areas of oxidation, minor rusting and paint loss, while the teak surfaces bear the dents, scratches, indentations and other marks accumulated through use. We have chosen to retain these signs of age rather than over-restore the pieces, as they form an important part of their history and contribute considerably to their authenticity.

The stools have nevertheless been carefully cleaned and sympathetically restored by specialist UK-based museum furniture restorers. The teak has received a light hand-waxing, bringing out the depth of the existing patina while maintaining its aged appearance. The iron has also been cleaned, with the oxidation, wear and remaining traces of original paint left visible.

These are particularly versatile pieces. Their low height and compact footprint make them useful around a low table, as occasional seating or simply as sculptural side tables. We regularly use examples ourselves at the gallery and have supplied Jeanneret stools for residential, office and gallery settings. Their simplicity allows them to sit comfortably within both contemporary and more traditional interiors.

The stools are offered as a set of three. We currently have other individual stools and sets available in different quantities, and can select suitably matched groups for clients looking for a particular number. Detailed photographs can be provided on request.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years, with extensive experience in identifying, sourcing, restoring and selling his work.

As the market for Chandigarh furniture has grown, so too has the number of later reproductions and incorrectly attributed pieces. We therefore place considerable importance on provenance, construction, materials and restoration when assessing Jeanneret furniture. We are happy to discuss these aspects in detail and to provide further information concerning the authenticity, provenance and restoration of our 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.