Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs for Living Room Kitchen

The Chandigarh Chair, also known as the "Committee Chair" or the "PJ Chair", has its origins dating back to the 1950s. This iconic piece of furniture was designed by Pierre Jeanneret, the cousin of the renowned architect Le Corbusier, who was commissioned by the Indian government in 1951 to create the master plan for the new, utopian city of Chandigarh.

Jeanneret, who remained in Chandigarh as the city's Chief Architect until 1965, worked closely with Corbusier to design a wide range of buildings, including administration buildings, schools, and residences. As part of this project, Jeanneret was tasked with designing matching furniture for the various structures, drawing inspiration from the shapes and lines of the new architecture.

Integrating traditional materials and modern design, Jeanneret's elegant, minimalist Chandigarh chairs, featuring distinctive geometric supporting structures, quickly became one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. The chairs were mass-produced for offices and conference rooms in the Parliament House and administrative buildings, catering to the local people's preference for seated rather than ground-level seating.

However, the popularity of the Chandigarh chairs was short-lived. As tastes shifted towards more contemporary designs, many of Jeanneret's furnishings were discarded and piled up across the city, with some even being sold to local carpenters for a few rupees or repurposed as firewood. It wasn't until the late 1990s that these surviving pieces were rediscovered and bought by furniture dealers, eventually reaching the international auction market.

In 2011, the Indian government, realizing the high demand for Jeanneret's designs, prohibited the export of the original pieces still in Chandigarh without approval. In 2016, Chandigarh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, ensuring the protection of all buildings and furnishings created during the city's construction.

Today, the Chandigarh chair has been remastered using North American ash wood and low-maintenance PE rattan, while maintaining the essence of Jeanneret's original design. This retro version of the classic piece serves as a representation of the history and culture of Chandigarh, connecting the past and focusing on the present.

The remastered Chandigarh chair boasts a sturdy construction, with a reinforced seat and a high load capacity of up to 300 lbs. The breathable PE cane webbing ensures comfort and durability, suitable for year-round use. The ergonomic design, with its curved backrest and angled seat, provides a relaxing and enjoyable sitting experience, whether dining, working, or conversing.

This versatile kitchen and dining room chair can seamlessly integrate into a variety of decorating styles, from vintage to mid-century modern, showcasing the enduring appeal of Jeanneret's timeless design. With its easy assembly and straightforward cleaning, the Chandigarh chair is a practical and stylish addition to any home.

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