charlotte perriand wooden prototype re-editions by cassina

charlotte perriand wooden prototype re-editions by cassina
all images courtesy cassina

during maison & objet 2014, cassina will showcase a unique installation at its paris showroom paying homage to architect and designer charlotte perriand. to honor the contemporary legend, a series of fashion pieces by louis vuitton and furniture re-editions by cassina such as perriand’s ‘indochine’ small swivel armchair and ‘mexique’ high and low tables, will be featured in the temporary exhibition.

the ‘indochine’ swiveling chair was first conceived in vietnam in 1943 for personal use, built exclusively using traditional craftsmanship techniques and materials that were only available during the time of the war. adapted from the original LC7 metal framed armchair designed by perriand in 1927, the first iteration was designed with three legs but did not offer the right stability; it was later re-developed as a four-legged version to provide the user with adequate support. the small armchair has been reproduced in solid walnut and stained black ash-wood with an upholstered padded backrest and seat pan available in leather or fabric.

mexique high and low tables
D: 118 x 80 x H. 70 / H. 38cm (table top thickness 5cm)

in 1952, the mexique high table was created by charlotte perriand for the students’ rooms of the maison du mexique at the cité universitaire internationale in paris. its asymmetrical triangular design with rounded corners was conceived to occupy a minimal footprint within each room, helping facilitate movement between the armchair, bed and desk. originally a part of the ‘en forme libre tables’ developed by charlotte perriand in 1938-1939, its form also allowed for multiple tables to be combined together as squares or rectangles, extending the limited area of use.

‘what is sweeter than touching a polished fir table top, sweet like the legs of a woman,’ charlotte perriand noted in a catalogue of the triennale di milano in 1951.

mexique high table
D: 118 x 80 x H. 70 cm (table top thickness 5cm)

in 1956, perriand created a low version of the ‘mexique table’ for the galerie steph simon; the addition of the furniture piece was designed to harmoniously meet the requirements for the organization of night, day and communal environments when placed alongside the high table.

mexique high table
D: 118 x 80 x H. 38 cm (table top thickness 5cm)

the specific dimensions of the classic ‘mexique high and low’ table re-issue places emphasis on the elegant table profile, where folded matte black triangular sectioned legs and solid canaletto walnut and natural oak triangular wooden surfaces focus on the natural beauty and warmth of the tapered timber construction. both the ‘mexique’ tables and ‘indochine’ small swivel armchair re-issue will be authenticated with the progressive production number and charlotte perriand’s signature.