Rare Chair "Tout Bois" Attributed to Jean Prouvé, France, 1941

Scarce and highly significant variants of the all-wood chairs attributed to Jean Prouvé, these 1941 models were crafted by Vauconsant in Saint Nicolas de Port during a time of material scarcity. Known as “chaises tout bois” (all-wood chairs), these pieces are rare deviations from the standardized versions produced later, and may represent early prototypes or pre-series models.

Each variant features a sculpted solid wood frame with mortise and tenon joints, a curved moulded plywood seat and backrest fixed with visible metal rivets, and sharply angled rear legs. The rear joinery and subtle shifts in leg geometry align with documented experimental variants (Peter Sulzer Vol. 2, p. 294; ill. 915,2–915,5).

Unlike the metal-framed chairs of the era, these designs are executed entirely in wood - an engineering challenge overcome by Prouvé’s commitment to structural clarity and material integrity. The result is a series of functional, modernist forms that maintain strength and elegance despite their minimalist means.