Modernist chairs in oak and woven straw, France, circa 1948

Chairs made of solid oak and woven straw, their clean, architectural lines perfectly embody the spirit of post-war French design: a return to the authenticity of materials and an aesthetic that is both rustic and modern. The square-section legs feature a cross-bracing assembly with visible ends that highlight the craftsmanship. The backs with four wide crossbars give the chairs a solid and straightforward appearance, while the hand-woven rye straw seats add a warm and authentic touch. These chairs, attributed to Pierre de La Londe, a former collaborator of the renowned decorator Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, and his partner Jean Lefèvre, are a fine example of reconstruction furniture, combining tradition and measured modernity. A variation of this model was published in Mobilier et Décoration, January 1948, p. 29. Dimensions. Height: 102 cm. Width: 45 cm. Depth: 50 cm. Seat height: 46 cm. France, circa 1948.