Extra Large Charlotte Perriand Slat Bench or Table, 1950s

An extra long and very rare Cansado bench or coffee table by Charlotte Perriand, editioned by Steph Simon, France. This slat bench was made for and used in the African town of Cansado, Mauritania. The town was designed according to Modernist principles, so it was a fitting choice to select Charlotte Perriand’s modern designs to furnish some of the apartments. This low bench, that is a variation on the slat bench she designed in Japan in the mid-1950s, is constructed out of 13 wooden slats on a low, enameled steel frame with four legs. The slats are connected by means of three shorter slats that serve as a dovel. This bench has age-related wear and tear, but is in an overall good condition.