Chandigarh furniture: from modernist icon to collectible legacy

The furniture designed for Chandigarh, the Indian city masterplanned by Le Corbusier in the 1950s, is among the most significant mid-century modernist works. Commissioned by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to reflect his progressive vision, the designs were led by Le Corbusier's cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who used local materials like teak, rosewood, and cane. Jeanneret collaborated with Indian architects including Eulie Chowdhury, the only woman on Le Corbusier's team, who is believed to have co-designed the iconic 'Chandigarh chair'. After decades of neglect and export by European gallerists, the city's Heritage Furniture Committee, established in 2007 by Rajnish Wattas, halted auctions. The Capitol Complex gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016. Today, collector Rajan Bijlani has restored over 500 pieces since 2004, and brands like Cassina (since 2019) and Phantom Hands reissue select designs.