Writing table

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1879-1933) was a furniture and interior designer based in Paris during the first third of the twentieth century. His work is regarded as some of the finest in the Art Deco style, which became popular in America, Europe and beyond between about 1910 and 1939. Ruhlmann was famed for his exquisitely crafted furniture and interiors where he often employed non-European and expensive materials. The use of macassar ebony to veneer this table's surfaces would have ensured that it was affordable only to the wealthiest buyer. The designer called his more richly crafted creations his 'precious pieces'. We do not know if this table was one of these but the elegant lines and expen

Writing table · Paris · ca. 1925. Macassar ebony veneer and solid mahogany, with a gilt-tooled calf-leather top. By Ruhlmann, Emile Jacques. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.