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, Pigeonhole Desk, Teak, Leatherette, Chandigarh, India, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, 'Pigeonhole' Desk, Teak, Leatherette, Chandigarh, India c. 1960s Rare example of a pigeonhole by Pierre Jeanneret c. 1960s, Model PJ-BU-...
Faux Leather, Teak
$55,000
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
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 Pigeonhole Desk
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the administrative buildings and secretariat offices of Chandigarh, India, the Pigeonhole Desk was produced in the late 1950s as part of t...
Rosewood
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
$17,904Sale Price|37% Off
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
$25,500 / set
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
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 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
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
Industrial Equestrian Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Industrial Equestrian desk of walnut and reclaimed wood with an iron base. The parquetry inlaid top with five drawers is flanked by two horse heads...
Iron
1968 Executive Desk
By Warren Platner
Located in Hanover, MA
Executive desk formerly belonging to noted architect George M. Notter, (1933–2007) of the Boston firm Anderson Notter Finegold (now known as Finegold Alexander Architects). Current institutional memory at the firm suggests it was a special order from Herman Miller for the then new New York offices of MGM, however Herman Miller's archivist was unable to confirm. Styling, particularly the distinctive slim milled aluminum tracks through which the entire drawer carriage glides is clearly similar to Warren Platner's designs for Lehigh-Leopold which were then among the most costly of executive office furnishings. The bent flat bar chromed steel base with its distinctive pigeon toe splay is somewhat similar to a table base in Stow Davis' Electa Series, designed by Alexis Yermakov circa 1971. Walnut laminate top is very clean with no issues. One corner edge shows a small separation. The only identifying markings are within the milled aluminum channel: G.P. F.I. 2 And the date Dec. 20, 1968. See image 18. Between the rectangular laminate top and the chrome base is a heavy blackened steel plate. Underneath the bent chrome pigeon toe feet are bars of a thick phenolic material which act as floor protector. We can have keys made to fit the two locking drawers. Tim Anderson...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk
By Attributed to Stow-Davis
Located in Pasadena, TX
6ft Stow Davis Dark Walnut Knee Hole Credenza Desk Midcentury Stow Davis walnut kneehole credenza with 4 drawers. The two bottom drawers were desi...
Chrome
$14,531
H 29.93 in W 48.04 in D 12.6 in
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
$25,574
H 29.53 in W 72.05 in D 32.68 in
Pierre Chapo, vintage desk model B40 in solid elm, circa 1980
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Large desk design by Pierre Chapo and produced in 1980. This desk B40 is made in solid Elml. The desk is in good vintage condition. The feet can be moved around to fit your space. Th...
Elm
French Mahogany Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted with figured flame mahogany, this writing desk features a luxurious leather inlaid surface. The meticulously designed structure includes five drawers surrounding a generous k...
Wood
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.25 in W 72 in D 36 in
Pierre Paulin Bird's-Eye Maple and Walnut Inlay Executive Desk
By Baker Furniture Company, Pierre Paulin
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Pierre Paulin executive desk for Baker. Bird's-eye maple veneers inlaid with dark walnut in the signature motif for the Paulin Collection. Drawers are fitted to give a floating ...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
Teak Desk, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Teak desk made in Denmark in the 1960s. There are 6 spacious drawers at the front, and at the back of the bar. Very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: H 73...
Teak
19th Century English Knee Hole Desk
Located in High Point, NC
19th century English knee hole desk made from oak with a beveled edge around the top following down to a single drawer over two banks of three d...
Brass
$2,041Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Vintage "Student" desk by Pierre Guariche for Meurop, 1962.
By Pierre Guariche
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Iconic "Student" desk model by Pierre Guariche for Meurop. Produced between 1962 and 1967, this particular piece dates back to approximately 1962. It features a black lacquered m...
Steel
Melchiorre Bega Desk, 1950s Italy
By Melchiorre Bega
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Italian desk in a beautiful caramel wood. Four pull-out drawers flank each side of the desk. Angular extension on the left side of the desk for extra writing space and fanta...
Brass
Jacques Adnet Leather and Oak Desk, 1950s France
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental Art Deco era desk by French Art Deco Modernist designer Jacques Adnet. Iron frame with 4 posts, inverted u-shaped bases and brass support ...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 29 in W 55.5 in D 27.25 in
Pierre Jeanneret, Rare Writing Desk, Teak, Leatherette, Chandigarh, India, 1960s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, 8-Leg Writing Desk, Teak, Leatherette, Chandigarh, India c. 1960s A very rare example of an 8-leg writing desk having a wonderful scale ...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Pigeonhole Desk PJ-BU-02-A, India 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The PJ-BU-02-A “Pigeon Hole” desk by Pierre Jeanneret, India 1957. This incredibly rare, and highly sought after design has become a legendary design...
Metal
Sold
H 28 in W 47.75 in D 32.75 in
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Pigeonhole Desk, Teak, Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Pigeonhole Desk, Teak, Chandigarh, India c. 1960s Rare example of a pigeonhole by Pierre Jeanneret c. 1960s, Model PJ-BU-02-A. These ex...
Teak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 47.64 in D 32.68 in
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
Sold
H 28.35 in W 44.89 in D 23.63 in
Pierre Jeanneret Mid Century Wooden Black Office Desk & Box Chair in Teak, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare mid century wooden desk and box chair in black stained teak by Pierre Jeanneret produced for Chandigarh, India 1950s. In good a...
Rattan, Teak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 32.68 in
Pierre Jeanneret / Le Corbusier "Pigeon Hole" Mid Century Wooden Desk, 1950s
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and collectible "pigeon hole" wooden desk for the administrative building in Chandigarh, India designed by Pierre Jeanneret...
Leather, 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. One of the most iconic pieces of modern design. Taupe 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. The last 4 images are original photos of the desk pre-restoration. Armrest clearance is 26.25" Jeanneret Chandigargh Book - Jacques Dworczak...
Leather, Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk and Chair
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Jeanneret desk and chair. Made of teak and aluminum. 4 drawers flank the right side. Backside has a shallow cabinet and the initials AB. V...
Aluminum
Pierre Jeanneret Office Desk Chandigarh, India, 1957
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Paris, FR
Pierre Jeanneret PJ-BU-02-A Desk-bookcase called “Office table”, circa 1957-1958 Tabletop fixed on a spindle leg and a solid bloc and comprising on the user’s side a drawer unit w...
Leather, Cedar
Pierre Jeanneret Desk
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning desk in Rosewood by Pierre Jeanneret. Made for the Chandigarh project. Angular leg and bookcase back. One of the most iconic pieces of modern ...
Leather, Rosewood
Pierre Jeanneret "Junior Officer's Desk, " 1957-1958
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A beautiful untouched example of the Junior Officer's desk created by Pierre Jeanneret for the Chandigarh project, circa 1957. This example in original condition. Solid three-legg...
Teak
Pierre Jeanneret Desk
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pierre Jeanneret library desk from the administrative building designed for the city of Chandigarh, India. Great scale and terrific design.
Teak