Mid-Century Modern PJ-BU-08-B Student Desk by Pierre Jeanneret, 1960s

Details

Description

This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising … Read more This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. The visible nonchalance here celebrates the lightness and the joy of life. It’s not about representation or impressing others. It demonstrates the Indian lifestyle, much more casual and wiser than the heroic western design approach. All massive wood parts are authentic. They are done in Indian teak. Rich in texture, the wood is vivid and comes in cognac colour / chocolate colour/ whiskey colour. The surface is treated with shellac and there are several layers of original shellac. It provides smooth irregular gloss different from that of the sterile lacquerware nowadays. Charming irregularities show that each piece is unique. This desk has an original massive tabletop, which is very rare.

Chandigarh items are famous for A-shaped legs. Many desks, chairs, armchairs, and sideboards have these legs, so the pieces remind us of sturdy structural constructions, such as bridge pillars that carry their weight, or some of Le Corbusier’s buildings. The A-shaped legs have sharper corners and are strict and sturdy in their geometry. Their angle and position show that Pierre Jeanneret, together with Jean Prouvé and Le Corbusier, had a structural, not decorative, expression. I think the piece blends well with many interior styles. It can support pure, modern aesthetics by giving them a warmer character with its natural materials and warm colours. As a desk, it finds its place in any space.

Literature: Eric Touchaleaume and Gerald Moreau, ‘Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure, Design-Art-Architecture’ (Paris: Gourcuff Gradenigo, 2011), 574. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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