Pierre Chapo S31 Stool in Elm
France | Circa 1970s

The S31 stool, designed by French master woodworker Pierre Chapo in the 1970s, is an exercise in balance—between form and function, material and craftsmanship. Chapo believed that wood should speak for itself, and in this piece, solid elm becomes the focus. The natural grain of the elm, alive with knots and organic patterns, reveals the subtle complexities of the material he so revered.

With its precise joinery and geometric silhouette, the S31 stool reflects Chapo's architectural eye and deep understanding of proportions. The simplicity is deceptive; each element of the design, from the slight angle of the legs to the weight of the seat, has been considered and honed. Compact and versatile, this piece can function as seating, a side table, or stand alone as a sculptural statement—wholly unadorned but profoundly expressive.

Pierre Chapo, often compared to the likes of Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand for his contributions to 20th-century design, was guided by a principle he called "ligne claire"—or clear lines—where beauty emerged from truth to material and construction. The S31 stool is a testament to this ethos: pure, unpretentious, and enduring.

At Banda Gallery, we are honoured to offer this authentic piece of Chapo’s legacy, a quiet but undeniable celebration of artisan craftsmanship and modern design at its most honest.