Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

"Notre Enquête dur le Mobilier Moderne," Art et Décoration, January 1920, p. 5 (for model 1507 AR/1803 NR with a shagreen top)
Émile Sedeyn, "Le XIIe Salon des Artistes Décorateurs," Art et Décoration, January-June 1921, p. 106 (for model 1507 AR/1803 NR with an ivory and marquetry top panel)
Léon Moussinac, Croquis de Ruhlmann, Paris, 1924, pl. 26 (for Ruhlmann's sketch of the model)
Jean Badovici, "Harmonies":  Intérieurs de Ruhlmann, Paris, 1924, pl. 38 (for the model in the bedroom of Baronne Henri de Rothschild at the Château de la Muette, depicted as a dressing table with a small mirror placed on top)
Bevis Hillier, The World of Art Deco, New York, 1971, p. 61, cat. 99 (for model 1507 AR/1803 NR with an ivory and marquetry top)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann: Master of Art Deco, New York, 1984, p. 177 (for the Badovici gouache)
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, Ruhlmann: Genius of Art Deco, Montreal, 2004, pp. 176-177 (for model 1507 AR/1803 NR with an ivory and marquetry top in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts)
Emmanuel Bréon, Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann: Furniture, Paris, 2004, p. 52-53 (for the Badovici gouache)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, p. 138 (for model 1507 AR/1803 NR)

The winning bidder of the lot will receive copies of the following documents in the family archives: 1. a copy of the certificate of authenticity for this work, signed by Ruhlmann and sent to the client on September 15, 1933; 2. a copy of a unique design drawing of the work, done specifically for this commission. Both of these documents are illustrated in the online catalogue. The winning bidder of the lot will also receive copies of the following documents in the family archives: 1. First proposal letter from Gaston Rousseau, Maison Ruhlmann dated 30 August 1928; 2. Revised proposal letter from Gaston Rousseau, Maison Ruhlmann dated 17 January 1929; 3. Letter from the clients to Rousseau confirming the order on 12 March 1929; 4. Letter from Rousseau dated 9 July 1929 acknowledging receipt of down payment; 5. First invoice from Maison Ruhlmann, dated 21 August 1929; 6. Final invoice from Maison Ruhlmann, dated 18 January 1930. Overall the work is in superb condition, and retains its original finish on all veneer except for the vaseform and square panels on each end, which were refinished last month by a professional restorer to repair some ancient water damage. The work has also been cleaned and waxed. The macassar ebony veneer border on the top with minor but noticeable crazing. The American walnut panels on the top show only normal wear. The two ivory pulls are original, with minor yellowing. The lot also includes a "Drouafine" side chair, which is illustrated in the online catalogue, but not in the printed catalogue. This side chair is not mentioned in the family archives, but has an American walnut veneer that matches the top of the Vase console and other works from the master bedroom. One speculates that the family purchased this chair either from an American department store or in Paris. The chair also retains its original finish and is in excellent condition. The upholstery is probably original, and needs replacing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Originally sketched by Ruhlmann in 1915 as a dressing table, the iconic "Vase Cabinet," 1507 AR/1803 NR, was first photographed in 1920.  The present lot is a unique variant ordered by the family on April 5, 1929, and was originally invoiced (using only the new numbering system) as "coiffeuse salon notre modéle 1803 variante en ébène macassar et dessus de loupe de noyer."  When the certificate was issued by Ruhlmann in 1933, the model number was changed to "modèle no 1804, exemplaire no. 1 spéciale."