An exceptional set of four Pierre Jeanneret Box Cushion Chairs, dating from circa 1960 and originally produced for Chandigarh, India.

The Box Cushion Chair is not a model we encounter particularly often. Unlike many of Jeanneret's better-known Chandigarh chairs, which predominantly use solid teak and cane, these examples are constructed from Indian rosewood with inset upholstered cushions. The combination gives the chairs a very different presence from the more familiar Chandigarh seating.

The construction is simple but substantial. The square-section rosewood frames are joined by low stretchers, with the rear uprights continuing above the seat to support a broad, gently shaped backrest. The chairs appear relatively light in photographs but are deceptively heavy when handled, something that immediately becomes apparent from the density and weight of the Indian rosewood.

All four chairs were acquired together and have remained as a set. Each retains painted institutional markings to the rear seat rail, an important surviving detail from their working life in Chandigarh. The markings vary from chair to chair and help reinforce the relationship between the four pieces as a coherent institutional group.

The inset cushions are an integral part of the original design rather than a later alteration. Importantly, the original wooden cushion frames survive on all four chairs. These have now been newly upholstered in a natural linen, chosen to sit quietly against the warmth and aged surface of the rosewood.

The timber has developed a rich and varied patina through decades of use. There are numerous small marks, scratches, areas of rubbing and variations in colour across the frames, all of which we have deliberately retained. Looking across the four chairs, there are subtle differences in tone and wear, but they remain remarkably cohesive as a group.

For us, this is what makes the set especially interesting. We have handled many examples of Pierre Jeanneret's Chandigarh furniture over the years, but the Box Cushion Chair is considerably less frequently encountered than models such as the Office Chair, Library Chair or Conference Chair. Finding four examples that have remained together, with their institutional markings and original cushion frames still present, makes this a very satisfying group.

The chairs have been structurally restored in London, with the emphasis placed on retaining as much of their original surface as possible. The rosewood frames have been carefully cleaned and waxed rather than stripped or refinished, preserving the accumulated patina and evidence of their institutional use. The original cushion frames have been retained and newly upholstered in linen.

As with all of our Chandigarh furniture, our approach to restoration is one of conservation rather than renewal. We want the chairs to be structurally sound and entirely usable while still looking and feeling like pieces that have spent more than sixty years in Chandigarh.

We have specialised in Pierre Jeanneret furniture for nearly nineteen years 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.