Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Christie's Geneva, November 13, 1988, lot 261
Acquired from the above by the present owner

For similar dressing tables by Ruhlmann, see:
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1983, pp. 68-69 and 181
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, Ruhlmann: Genius of Art Deco, Paris, 2004, pp. 50 and 196-198 (for a drawing from the Intimité IV album showing a similar dressing table)
Florence Camard, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, p. 124

Overall in good restored condition. The desk and chair have been sensitively conserved to remove a later applied dark finish, which was present at the time of the 1988 auction offering. Following the removal of the darker finish, an overall cleaning and finish were applied to the surface throughout to preserve the original intent. The seams and edges of the vanity present with minor darkening likely remnants of the applied darker finish. The seams above the ivory sabots with light discoloration. The vanity presents with some minor isolated restoration to the veneered surface, including the proper right front corner, two top edges of the drawers to the proper left side. The surfaces of the vanity with a few minor surface scratches, and edge abrasions consistent with gentle use. The pulls of the vanity have been replaced with ivorene reproductions executed in a shape consistent with the original design. The lock plate and sabot are in original ivory and present with minor discoloration consistent with the natural aging process of the material. The lower edge of two of the sabots with minor edge losses and a few minor age cracks consistent the age and use. The mirrored glass is possibly replaced. The reverse of the mirror is executed in the same maple burl as the vanity. This panel with a surface scratches and a small area of loss to the finish. All the fastening hardware of the mirror appears original. The stool is executed in a maple burl consistent in tone with the vanity. The upholstery of the stool is later, and has had restoration to the edge seam at the reverse. This restoration extends the height of the upholstered panel, and appears to have been over-painted. The surfaces of the leather with gentle surface scratches, and one minor abrasion to the top of the seat back, measuring ¼ inch in length. The frame with a few minute seam separations which appear to have been restored. The coloration of both elements are slightly less red when viewed in person than they appear in the catalogue illustration. The maple is a warm tone showing wonderful intricacy in the figuring. Please refer to the conditions of sale or contact the 20th Century Design department at 212-606-7170 regarding the current federal regulations regarding the export of ivory from the United States.
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.

Ruhlmann designed a number of dressing tables in a variety of forms and materials.  The present example has the characteristic bead finial that Ruhlmann uses as a punctuation mark at the junction of the top of the leg and the corner of the table.