One of my all-time favorite furniture designers and makers is French Art Deco master Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann. On December 16, 2010 a rare event took place at Sotheby's New York when nine unusual furniture pieces made in 1929 and 1930 by Ruhlmann`s legendary atelier were sold at auction. This marked the first time in more than 10 years that such a complete collection of his works were offered for sale.
The final hammer price of several pieces far exceeded the pre-auction estimates. The "Ventru" Sideboard in particular went for over $1,500,000.00.
Please enjoy the images that follow.
"EGYPTIEN" DROP-FRONT DESK, MODEL 1545 AR/1608 NR
Executed September 1929
Branded Ruhlmann twice and with the A atelier mark
Macassar ebony veneer over oak, varnished cellulose heightened with red color, ivory trim, silvered bronze pulls and sabots, interior lined with doe skin, ivory pulls, and fruitwood compartments
Measurements: 54 x 27 ¼ x 17 in. (137.1 x 69.2 x 43.2 cm)
Pre-auction estimate: $300,000—500,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: $626,500 USD
"VUILLERME" DINING TABLE, MODEL 1014 AR/1306 NR
Executed August 1929
Branded Ruhlmann
Macassar ebony veneer over oak and silvered bronze
Measurements closed: 30 1/4 x 43 1/2 x 63 inches (76.2 x 110.5 x 160 cm)
Measurements open: 30 1/4 x 43 1/2 x 109 inches open (76.2 x 110.5 x 277 cm)
Pre-auction estimate: $200,000—300,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: $866,500 USD
SET OF TWELVE "CANNELÉE" DINING CHAIRS, MODEL 77 AR/88 NR
Executed August 1929
Macassar ebony, silvered bronze sabots and fabric upholstery
Measurements: 37 1/2 inches high (95.2 cm)
Pre-auction estimate: $250,000—350,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: $986,500 USD
"VASE" TABLE, MODEL 1804 NR
Executed February 1930
Branded Ruhlmann and with the B atelier mark
Together with: "Drouafine" side chair, Model 22 AR/1A NR, in American walnut and fabric upholstery, 34 in. (86.5 cm) high
Macassar ebony and American walnut veneers over oak, ivory pulls
Measurements: 28 x 48 x 19 ¾ in. (71.1 x 122 x 50.2 cm)
Pre-auction estimate: $120,000—180,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: $182,500 USD
"VENTRU" SIDEBOARD, MODEL 2019 AR/2126 NR
Executed September 1929
Branded Ruhlmann and with the A atelier mark
Macassar ebony veneer over oak, ivory marquetry, silvered bronze feet
Measurements: 33 ¼ x 33 ¼ x 20 in. (84.5 x 84.5 x 51 cm)
Pre-auction estimate: $150,000—250,000 USD
Lot Sold. Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: $1,516,100 USD