Charlotte Perriand

CHARLOTTE PERRIAND (Paris, 1903–1999).
“Cansado” bench, ca. 1960.
Oak and black-lacquered metal frame.
Shows slight wear.
Measurements: 23 x 190 x 71 cm.

The “Cansado” bench is one of the most representative examples of the functional furniture developed by Charlotte Perriand in the late 1950s. Designed for the mining town of Cansado in Mauritania, the model embodies the principles of economy of means, versatility, and constructive rationality that characterize the French designer’s work. Its production was linked to the Parisian gallery Steph Simon.

The horizontal lines of the piece, its low height, and the contrast between the warmth of the wood and the geometric precision of the metal define a composition of great simplicity. Its design allows it to be used both as a low bench and as a coffee table, reflecting Perriand’s interest in creating furniture adaptable to different domestic needs.

Charlotte Perriand was a key figure in 20th-century modern design. Trained in Paris, she collaborated with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret beginning in 1927, playing a role in the renewal of contemporary furniture design. Her experience in Japan during the 1940s had a decisive influence on her approach to natural materials, lightweight structures, and functionality. Her work is represented in institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.