If his famed cousin and longtime colleague Charles-Édouard Jeanneret — better known as Le Corbusier — was the visionary, then Pierre Jeanneret was the member of the architecture and design team who got things done. In recent years, Jeanneret has emerged from Le Corbusier’s shadow, as collectors have discovered his simple and striking chairs, benches, coffee tables and other furniture creations.
Jeanneret studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva and after he graduated in 1921 he became a partner in Le Corbusier’s office in Paris. The pair collaborated on numerous residential projects, most notably the Villa Savoye, the iconic modernist house in suburban Paris completed in 1931.
Jeanneret also worked with the great Charlotte Perriand on the Grand Modele line of tubular metal furnishings that was a sensation at the annual Salon d’Automne design expo in 1929. A rift developed between Jeanneret and his cousin during World War II, as the former joined the French resistance, while Le Corbusier cooperated with the occupying authorities in Vichy. The two did not work together again until 1950, when Le Corbusier persuaded Jeanneret to help execute the master plan for the new city of Chandigarh in Punjab, India. Jeanneret lived and worked there until the final years of his life.
A hallmark of Jeanneret’s furniture designs is his great sensitivity to materials. In contrast to the tubular-steel chairs produced by Marcel Breuer and other members of the Bauhaus, the chromed metal pieces designed by Jeanneret and Perriand — including such as the now-classic LC4 chaise longue and the Grand Confort lounge chair — have a sensuous, relaxed and welcoming look. Conversely, while Jeanneret uses essentially geometric forms for his wooden seating pieces, they exude warmth by nature of the material.
One of Jeanneret’s first manufactured designs in wood is the Model 92 Scissors chair, licensed by Hans and Florence Knoll when they were touring postwar France. But Jeanneret’s finest work in furniture was done in Chandigarh, and these are the pieces that have earned him recent renown.
Crafted of teak, the Chandigarh designs range from low-slung lounge chairs and armchairs with cane seats to desks and tables, most with Jeanneret’s signature drafting compass-shaped legs. Many such pieces on the market today are refurbished, having been found by dealers languishing in scrapyards in India in the late 1990s. Chandigarh is now taking better care of its modernist heritage, making available Jeanneret works all the rarer.
Find authentic vintage Pierre Jeanneret chairs, case pieces, tables and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
Pierre Jeanneret Paddle Arm Chair c.1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in London, GB
An iconic Pierre Jeanneret Paddle Armchair, crafted in the 1950s from beautifully stained teak. Designed during his time working in Chandigarh, India, Jeanneret’s furniture pieces ar...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh Desk Chair
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in London, GB
A classic desk chair designed by Pierre Jeanneret, originally created for the iconic Chandigarh project in India during the 1960s. Crafted from solid teak, this chair features Jeanne...
Cane, Teak
1940s French Set of Six Oak Dining chairs
Located in London, GB
French: Set of Six Oak Dining Chairs, c.1940s A set of six French dining chairs from the 1940s, constructed with solid oak frames and upholstered seats. The design is simple and fun...
Fabric, Oak
Austrian Thonet Style Cafe Chair
Located in London, GB
A charming Thonet-style café chair, likely produced between 1880 and 1920, showcasing the elegant craftsmanship and timeless design of the era. The chair features a curved backrest, ...
Elm
1950s British Set of 4 Teak and Leather Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
A set of four British dining chairs from the 1950s, constructed from solid teak with upholstered leather seats. The design features a slightly curved backrest for ergonomic support, ...
Leather, Teak
Mid Century Italian Set of Fourteen Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Set of Fourteen Italian Dining Chairs, c. 1970s A set of fourteen dining chairs made in Italy in the 1970s. Each chair features a sturdy wood frame with an upholstered seat and back...
Fabric, Beech
Pierre Jeanneret, 1958 Single Armed Chair
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jeanneret, Circa 1958 Slatted seat and back, single armed chair in teak. Provenance: Chandigarh, India.
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-SI-13-A, Demountable Chair, Circa 1955
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Hasselt, VLI
We are proud to introduce our exquisite Demountable Chair, model no. PJ-SI-13-A. These iconic chairs are more than just furniture - they are pieces of history that exemplify innovation, adaptability, and Mid-Century Modern elegance, crafted by the visionary Pierre Jeanneret around 1955-1956. The Demountable Chair's modular construction seamlessly blends into any space, creating a stylish ambiance that transcends time. Mid Century Modern design is reflected in the teak wood composition and clean lines of this piece, offering a timeless aesthetic that easily adapts to classic and contemporary interiors. Enjoy this unique opportunity to own an investment that celebrates Chandigarh's craftwork, heritage, and art of living.
Wood, Teak, Cane
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-25-E Student Chair / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item expresses a specific rawness. There is no need for precise execution or the desire to appear sophisticated. It is simple, self-evident, and direct. It is made out of basic ...
Leather, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-SI-51-A Chairs / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
The relationship between the elements ensures a balanced composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a sense of coherent design. Both tension and...
Cane, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret, original armchair SI-26-C/writing chair, Mid-Century Modern.
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stockholm, SE
This iconic original and very rare armchair SI-26-C / writing chair by legendary designer Pierre Jeanneret. Made insolid teak with shelf under the seat. One armrest with a small writing space. Authentic Mid Century piece. With its raw simplicity it shows the true strength of simplicity like many of Jeanneret's designs for the Chanidharh project. Jeanneret was commissioned by the city of Chandigarh, India, to build and design for the Punjab University Administrative buildings and a few private residences. Provenance: Sourced from gallery Fiftiesdesign in Brest, who imported the furniture from India...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Student Chair / Authentic Mid-Century Modern PJ-SI-26-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
The relationship between the seat, the legs and the armrest ensure a balanced, though asymmetrical composition. The careful alignment and proportions create an equilibrium, giving a ...
Cane, Teak
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The Antwerp-based designer lends his unique touch to homes, boutiques and offices in Belgium, the United States and Germany, as well as furniture for B&B Italia and Molteni.
