The city of Chandigarh was created in 1950 as the new state capital to celebrate the independence of India and the nation’s opening up to modernity. It was designed by Le Corbusier with strong European characteristics and raw concrete buildings alongside his cousin Pierre Jeanneret who had the fundamental role of designing the furniture and interior items.

The furniture at the Chandigarh project were made to serve the political and administrative center of the nation and simplicity and functionality, therefore, were their predominant qualities. The sturdy teak-and-cane chairs were humidity and bug-resistant and featured V-shaped legs that made them distinct and incredibly simple.

As the city gravitated toward more contemporary styles in the next decades and discarded these pieces, Jeanneret chairs appeared all over the city as leftovers and scraps. This would further showcase their durability as they would still stand their original form and outlook.

They were often auctioned all over the city for only a few rupees which made dealers travel to this remote city and purchase these junk treasures. They were then featured in exhibitions in Europe and North America and have become favorite pieces of designers from all over the world ever since their rediscovery.

Today you can find these pieces everywhere. From local manufacturers to well-known brands, the Capitol Complex Collection can be found in different colors and even with new and exciting features. One of the best resemblances of the products is the collection by Cassina that comes in 6 different pieces.

In the end, this collection will always be remembered as the perfect marriage between modern European standards and a traditional Indian spirit, which will forever live as a masterpiece of modern furniture design.