Mid-Century PJ-SI-59-A Kangaroo Chair by Pierre Jeanneret, 1950s

Here the silhouette is strong. It is presented through the outline and shape of the piece. 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. The surfaces of the seats are done in cane. Contrasting the massive wooden parts, which frame it nicely, cane expresses a lightness with its transparency. The geometrical patterns of the canework create a charming shadowscape. We do the caning like it was done in Chandigarh. We use durable and thicker cane. All massive wood parts are authentic. They are done in Indian teak. Rich in texture, the wood is vivid and comes in 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. The legs are crafted as a simple gesture that connects the seat and the backrest, providing support and keeping the chair on the ground. They are called kangaroo legs and define the item’s silhouette. 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 an easy chair with a strong character, it fits in a living area or in a reading corner. It introduces a serene atmosphere. P! Galerie’s selection is mainly focused on rare French mid-century modern design artefacts by Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouvé, Le Corbusier, and Charlotte Perriand. Artefacts from our carefully curated collection are handpicked, and all traces and important indicators of authenticity are evaluated professionally. We try to preserve as much of patina as possible during the process of restoration, as it defines these historic pieces. Each object comes with a certificate of authenticity, offering you the opportunity to own a valuable artefact originating from a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Not only do we cooperate with museums and offer auction houses our services and expert opinion, we also look forward to welcoming you as a private collector and connoisseur. Literature: Eric Touchaleaume and Gerald Moreau, 'Le Corbusier Pierre Jeanneret: The Indian Adventure, Design-Art-Architecture' (Paris: Gourcuff Gradenigo, 2011), 570-71. Edition Galerie Patrick Seguin, 'Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret: Chandigarh, India' (Paris: Galerie Patrick Seguin, 2014), 204-5, 284. Provenance: This specific object has been exhibited as a provenance in CH-DSGN, 2023, The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat.