The making of a Chandigarh chair – quality in detail

When the first Chandigarh chairs were made in the 1950's, they set a benchmark for modernist furniture. Every chair made since is considered a re-edition. Yet the quality of these re-editions can vary greatly. At Object Embassy, this standard is taken seriously; our Pierre Jeanneret inspired designs are crafted to rank among the finest re-editions in the world.

What defines a high-quality Chandigarh style design chair can be found in four elements:

  • Wood type
  • Rattan / webbing weaving technique
  • Resemblance to original design
  • Craftsmanship
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Responsibly sourced solid teak

The Chandigarh chairs of the 1950's were originally made with solid teak. This natural material is chosen for its strength, durability, and natural resistance to moisture, heat, and insects.

Our re-editions continue this tradition, using responsibly sourced teak that is kiln-dried for up to five weeks to reach the ideal balance of humidity before being crafted into furniture.

By contrast, some re-editions rely on cheaper woods stained to resemble teak. True quality begins with the material itself. For these chairs, that material is teak.

Rattan weaving

ust like in the 1950's, our chairs feature hand-woven natural rattan seats and backrests. Each strand of rattan is carefully threaded into the frame in a square weave, creating the open grid that gives a Chandigarh chair its distinctive look. This method not only defines the style, it also results in a strong and flexible seat that adapts to your posture.

The weaving is done entirely by hand, strand by strand, by skilled artisans. It is a precise, time-intensive process that ensures every Object Embassy rattan chair combines authenticity with durability.

Less accurate Pierre Jeanneret re-editions often use machine-woven rattan mats in a diamond pattern, stapled into the frame. These lack the strength, comfort, and character of a natural rattan chair made in the original way.

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Resemblance to 1950's design

The Chandigarh chair was already a complete design in the 1950's: simple, functional, and timeless. Object Embassy re-editions remain true to this vision, with every detail extensively studied and reproduced so that the proportions and character stay as intended. The only adjustment is a slightly elevated seat height of 45 cm, adapted to today’s dining and office standards.

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Craftsmanship & Quality

Each Object Embassy chair is handmade with the same dedication as the originals of the 1950's. Our skilled woodworkers, upholsterers, and master weavers spend countless hours refining every detail. From the seamless fitting of joints to the careful sanding of every surface, before finishing each piece with a protective matt coating applied with precision.

Once complete, every chair undergoes a meticulous 74-point review in our atelier. Only after passing this final inspection; ensuring harmony, balance, and integrity in every element, is a chair considered crafted to perfection.

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Comfort

Behind the bold, modernist lines of the Chandigarh chair lies a surprising softness. The hand-woven rattan seat and backrest create a natural elasticity that moves with the body, offering gentle support with every sit.

The backrest is set at a subtle angle, following the body’s posture to create a relaxed and balanced position. What may appear hard at first glance reveals itself as a chair designed not only to be seen, but to be lived in.

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Unique numbering

In the 1950's each chair would get a unique number so it could be tracked in inventory management.

Our chairs are also uniquely numbered. Not with paint, but with state-of-the-art deep wood laser engraving. We do this so we can keep track back each single chair. From our fulfillment center all the way back to the wood source.

And so that you can rest assured you have an original Object Embassy chair. 

Our Pierre Jeanneret design chairs
Fabric Sample Kit - Object Embassy - Pierre Jeanneret

Upholstery

Beyond teak and rattan, Object Embassy also offers an upholstered collection. Each piece is crafted with the same attention to detail: durable frames, refined proportions, and upholstery finished by skilled artisans.

Our upholstered Chandigarh chairs and Pierre Jeanneret style furniture are available in fabrics and leathers carefully chosen for their strength, comfort, and refined character. Materials are responsibly sourced and selected not only for durability, but also for their natural ability to age with beauty over time.

Every detail, from the cut and stitching of the fabric to the precision of the fit, reflects the same level of craftsmanship that defines all Object Embassy designs. The result is a collection of designer upholstered chairs that combine timeless design with long-lasting quality.

Our upholstered products