Pierre Jeanneret Writing Desk, Punjab Engineering College Library, Chandigarh, c. 1960

Designed by Pierre Jeanneret for the library of Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh, this writing desk retains its original institutional stencil, PEC/LIBRARY/BLOCK-D87. Constructed entirely in solid teak. The top is a clean rectangular slab, carried by two X-leg frames at either end. Each frame is formed from two flat teak members crossing at the center, joined by mortise and tenon, with the legs splaying outward to the floor. A horizontal teak rail runs between the frames below the top, from which a single drawer is suspended to the right of center. The drawer face carries a circular cutout routed directly into the teak. There is no applied hardware. The teak has developed a dense, warm patina consistent with more than sixty years of institutional use. Offered as found. Lightly cleaned and unrestored.