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 X desk with a Model Pj Si 30A Committee Chair, Chandigarh, 60s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Highclere, Newbury
An original Pierre Jeanneret X frame teak and leather Administrative Desk from the Civic buildings of Chandigarh, India, matched to a fully upholstered Mod...
Aluminum
Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-R-27-B, Circa 1955, Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Authentic PJ-R-27-B by Pierre Jeanneret - This double-sided low cupboard, known as “5-hole rack” or "file rack” by Pierre Jeanneret, usually made in solid sisso (Indian rosewood) or ...
Wood, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret, Authentic PJ-BU-02-A Desk, circa 1957, Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Hasselt, VLI
The "Office table" desk also known as PJ-BU-02-A, was created around 1957-58 by Pierre Jeanneret. It is a beautiful blend of solid sissoo, teakwood and cedar. Its rectangular top has...
Faux Leather, Wood, Teak, Cedar
3-Holes File Rack, Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A rare and authentic example from the Chandigarh project in India, this teak 3-holes file rack by Pierre Jeanneret reflects the architect’s rational yet sculptural design language. C...
Teak
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret 6-hole File Rack, PJ-R-27-A, Chandigarh, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Pierre Jeanneret's work in Chandigarh during the 1950s represents a seminal moment in design history, where form met function in the most harmonious way. Jeanneret, in collaboration ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1950s Chandigargh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Spectacular pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Used in the administrative buildings in Chindigargh, Sector 1. Angular leg and bookcase back. The word - OFFICE - stenciled on years ago designating it to one of the buildings. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Dark green leather top. Single pull out drawer on front left. Looks stunning from every angle. Great piece to float in a room. Desk in excellent vintage condition. Last 5 images are the original photos - pre-restoration. Armrest clearance is 26". Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...
Leather, Teak
File Rack PJ-050202 by Pierre Jeanneret, India, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
File Rack; Pierre Jeanneret; Le Corbusier; Low Cupboard; PJ-050202; Chandigarh; 1957; 1958; 1950s; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard; Room Divid...
Wood
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-26-A Aluminium Book Case / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
That is a one-of-a-kind piece. Unique and outstanding, it holds a museum exhibit quality. An artefact for collectors and connoisseurs. A piece without any compromises. Highly valuabl...
Aluminum
Pierre Jeanneret Pigeonhole Desk
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Jeanneret Pigeonhole desk.
Rosewood
Authentic Pierre Jeanneret 6-hole File Rack, PJ-R-27-A, Chandigarh, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A double-sided low cupboard known as the “File Rack” (model PJ-R-27-A), handcrafted in solid teak with its original M.L.A. (H)-95 marking. Designed in the late 1950s for the administ...
Teak
Low Cupboard, Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A rare and authentic example from the Chandigarh project in India, this teak low cupboard by Pierre Jeanneret reflects the architect’s rational yet sculptural design language. Charac...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Pigeonhole Desk with Burgundy Leather Top, Chandigarh, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
A rare pigeonhole desk by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh administrative buildings in India, circa 1955–1960. This iconic model features a solid teak frame with an unrestored pa...
Leather, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-27-A File Rack / Authentic Mid-Century Modern, Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Pj-R-27-B File Rack / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Storage Cabinet
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Jeanneret Storage Cabinet, Chest Chandigarh, India , Circa 1955 - 1965
Wood
File Rack PJ-050205 by Pierre Jeanneret, India, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
File Rack; Pierre Jeanneret; Le Corbusier; Low Cupboard; D.I.H. 074; PJ-050205; Chandigarh; 1957; 1958; 1950s; India; Cabinet; Shelving Unit; Mid-Century Modern; Bookshelf; Sideboard...
Wood
Teak Sideboard by Pierre Jeanneret for the Admin Offices at Chandigarh, c. 1958
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in New York City, NY
Teak Sideboard Designed for the Administrative Offices at Chandigarh, by Pierre Jeanneret, France/India, c. 1957-58
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Jeanneret Storage Unit
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-26-A Periodical Book Case / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Sculptural qualities define this object. A vivid dynamic between the different volumes and surfaces, showing different qualities from different angles. Its expressive form offers a c...
Teak
Original Pierre Jeanneret Partners Desk from the Offices of Chandigarh, India
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Original Pierre Jeanneret 'X' Leg Desk from the Offices of Chandigarh, India Designed by Le Corbusier. Hand-crafted from teakwood, the floati...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-09-A Bedside cupboard / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. Here we see the principle of the Japan...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-16-A File Rack / Authentic Mid-Century Modern Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. The relationship between the partitions and the outline ens...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Illuminating Nightstands
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Incredible rare pair of Pierre Jeanneret Nightstands, Chandigarh This pair of nightstands were designed for the M.L.A. Flats building in Chandigarh. Wonderful rich patina to teak ...
Teak, Glass
Pierre Jeanneret Glass Fronted Bookcase
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Teak glass fronted bookcase designed by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh. Thick teak solid wood shelves inside. The glass sliding doors on the bott...
Glass, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-23-A Linen Box / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Teak, Cane
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-13-A Glass-Fronted Bookcase / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
This item is raw and sturdy. Its rugged textures and bold lines define that radical character. Its presence is uncompromising and captivating. Signs of age, patina, and the traces o...
Glass, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-11-A Chest of Drawers / 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 ...
Aluminum
Pierre Jeanneret High File Rack PJ-R-04-A / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-01-C Large Cabinet in Teak for the Chandigarh Project
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An incredible solid teak example of the iconic PJ-R-01-C sideboard. This piece is in incredible sympathetically restored condition. Three small drawers on the top , two large do...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pierre Jeanneret Desk, 1960's Rare “Writing Table for Junior Officers” in rosewood. Rectangular top supported on one side by a tripod base and on the other by a long, double-sided...
Rosewood
Small Version of the Pierre Jeanneret PJ-R-01-C Cabinet Chandigarh Project
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An incredible small version solid teak example of the iconic PJ-R-01-C sideboard. This piece is in incredible sympathetically restored condition. Three small drawers on the top ...
Teak
Four Door Pierre Jeanneret Cabinet / Storage Unit PJ-R-14-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A solid teak storage unit by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project, circa 1958. Model PJ-R-14-A This example is a survivor. Solid wood construction with inset aluminum-backed ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Pigeon Hole desk, 1957
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in London, GB
Pierre Jeanneret, a key modernist figure and frequent collaborator with his cousin Le Corbusier, is known for iconic designs, including those created for the utopian city of Chandiga...
Leather, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Small Desk for the Chandigarh Project
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The perfect little desk in solid teak by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project ca. 1960. Two v frame legs, with two double drawers with aluminum backed finger pulls. A super ...
Teak
Small Pierre Jeanneret Desk in Solid Teak for the Chandigarh Project ca. 1960
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A terrific example of a compact desk designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh Project ca. 1960. This example in solid plank teak. Two cubbys above a small drawer and large ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Portable Magazine Rack in Teak PJ-R-07-A
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An interesting and elusive little gem from the Chandigarh Project ca. 1960. These book or magazine racks were used clerks to carry books for judges and ministers in Chandigarh fro...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret - Authentic PJ-R-14-A c. 1857–58 Low Cupboard
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Authentic PJ-R-14-A Storage Unit or Low Cupboard, c. 1957–58 by Pierre Jeanneret. Designed for the Secretariat (1958) and various administrative buildings. It has four doors equipped...
Metal
Charlotte Perriand & Pierre Jeanneret, Sideboard "Equipement de la maison"
By Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand
Located in New York, NY
Charlotte Perriand & Pierre Jeanneret Sideboard "Equipement de la maison", circa 1947 Wood Measures: 47.25 H x 96.5 W x 16.75 D inches 120 H x 245.1 W x 42.5 D cm Body: 30H inch...
Wood