Rare Chandigarh Heritage Items Fetch ₹3.93 Crore at France Auction

Sixteen heritage items from Chandigarh were sold for a total of ₹3.93 crore at a prestigious auction held in Paris, France. The auction showcased furniture and artifacts designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret, a significant contributor to Chandigarh’s development and the cousin of famed Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who planned the city.

The auction occurred on September 20, 2025, attracting collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. Featured items included rare furniture such as bookcases, chairs, and tables that originally belonged to government residences in Chandigarh.

Notable highlights from the auction:

• A bookcase that sold for the highest amount of 40.70 lakh Indian rupees (approximately 50,000 euros).
• Furniture pieces reflecting Jeanneret’s unique design style linked closely to Chandigarh’s architectural identity.

Pierre Jeanneret’s contribution in the 1950s was pivotal, as he designed functional furniture intended to complement Le Corbusier’s architectural vision, embedding both historical significance and cultural value into these pieces.

While Chandigarh’s heritage preservation officials welcomed the considerable funds raised, they also voiced concerns over safeguarding India’s cultural assets, especially regarding their relocation abroad.

Experts emphasized:

1. These items symbolize Chandigarh’s modernist legacy and architectural innovation.
2. They represent the unique collaboration between Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.

The auction triggered discussions about the preservation and potential repatriation of cultural heritage, with calls for stricter regulations to prevent the loss of India’s architectural history through international sales.

Interest from European collectors in mid-20th-century design by influential architects has surged, driving prices upward and raising global awareness of Chandigarh’s heritage pieces.

In conclusion, the Paris auction not only celebrated Pierre Jeanneret’s artistic contributions but also brought international focus to Chandigarh’s distinct cultural history, highlighting the challenge of balancing heritage preservation with a dynamic global art market.

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