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Writer's pictureOlivier Blanc

522 Tokyo Lounge Chair (By Charlotte Perriand), article

Category: Furniture Design, Chair

Contributor: Olivier Blanc


Designer: Charlotte Perriand

Year: 1940

Materials: Bamboo base and frame, loose pad and headrest in fabric

Edited by: Cassina


'I saw some sugar tongs made from bamboo, created by the Institute of Tokyo, and it gave me the idea to transpose the stainless steel chaise longue from 1928, using the flexibility of machined bamboo instead of steel', Charlotte Perriand, from the book: A Life of Creation.


Inspired by Japan's culture and craftsmanship whilst visiting in 1940, Charlotte Perriand got the idea to revisit the LC4 Chaise Longue concept to design the 522 Tokyo chair. The curvilinear form of 522 is reminiscent of LC4 conceived by Le Corbusier and Jeanneret, for which and with whom Perriand collaborated in 1928.


The visual connection with the LC4 chair is apparent in the elongated lines and arched base alike. However, Perriand's design has its uniqueness, with a more horizontal orientation that offers a certain feeling of harmony and peace.

522 Tokyo Chaise Longue, photograph by Olivier Blanc


Composed of 12 curved wooden strips the 522 Tokyo Chaise Longue is stylish, minimalist and functional, undoubtedly a characteristic of Perriand’s work. Similar to LC4, the 522 Tokyo Chaise Longue is designed for relaxation (an adjustable backrest can be set in different positions to suit the user's preferences).

The use of soft, muted colours and materials such as bamboo adds to the chair an overall feel of discreet elegance and a direct connection to Nature.


Timeless, the 522 Tokyo Chaise Longue is undoubtedly a work of art demonstrating Perriand’s mastery of form, function, and aesthetics. Although designed in 1940, it was only in 2011 that the chair got put into production.


Further research:

- Furniture design

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