An excellent original set of three Pierre Jeanneret Easy Chairs, dating from circa 1958 and produced for the Chandigarh project in India.

Purchased by us in Chandigarh, all three chairs came from the same source and retain similar historical markings, crudely written in black paint. The markings appear on the sides of some chairs and the back of another. Although they may represent initials or institutional markings, we have not been able to establish their precise meaning or identify the building in which the chairs were originally used.

The Easy Chair is one of Jeanneret's most recognisable Chandigarh designs. The structure is dominated by the characteristic V-shaped side supports, with the front and rear legs meeting directly beneath the long horizontal arms. The geometry is extremely simple but beautifully balanced, giving the chairs a strong architectural presence while the open cane seat and back keep the overall appearance relatively light.

These are particularly good examples of the model, with long, gently angled arms, low seats and slightly reclined backs producing the relaxed seating position that makes these chairs so comfortable. Seen from the side, the relationship between the V-shaped supports, projecting arms and angled backs is especially successful.

What we like most about these three chairs, however, is the extraordinary depth of patina to the Indian rosewood. The timber has developed considerable variation in colour through decades of institutional use, ranging from deep, dark brown to much lighter areas where the surfaces have been gradually worn through handling.

This is particularly evident along the arms, where the upper surfaces have become smoother and lighter, contrasting with the much darker patina retained along the sides. There are further scratches, dents, rubbed edges and variations in colour throughout the frames, all of which we have deliberately preserved.

All three chairs have developed some slight warping to the rosewood legs, something we commonly see in older rosewood furniture. Importantly, each chair sits level and flat on the floor, and the warping does not affect their stability.

Although the three chairs are closely related in their construction and proportions, each has aged individually. The variations in colour and wear are not artificially uniform, yet the chairs work extremely well together as a group.

This is the first time we have had a set of three Jeanneret Easy Chairs. Although an odd number, we particularly like them together and think they could make a very interesting arrangement within an interior. There is something appealing about three closely related chairs, each retaining its own individual character and patina. We would be delighted to see them remain together, although we are also open to splitting the set.

The chairs have undergone careful structural conservation by our trusted conservator. All wooden components are original to the chairs, and the timber has been cleaned and lightly waxed, preserving the accumulated surface, wear and institutional patina rather than refinishing it.

The cane to the seats and backs has been replaced and then sympathetically aged and toned to sit naturally alongside the much older rosewood. We prefer this approach with Chandigarh furniture, allowing the cane to be structurally sound and suitable for use without appearing conspicuously new against frames that have aged over many decades.

For us, these chairs have many of the qualities we look for in original Jeanneret furniture: excellent proportions, original timber, surviving historical markings and, above all, the depth and variation of naturally developed institutional patina that is so difficult to replicate.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture since 2007 and have extensive experience in 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 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.