Endeavoring to create exquisite work that would endure forever, designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann defined the grandeur of the French Art Deco movement of the 1920s. His luxurious storage cabinets, seating, other furniture and interiors garnered considerable popularity alongside the growth in post–World War I Paris’s population of newly wealthy residents.
The Paris-born Ruhlmann was the son of a decorating contractor, a business he took over in the early 1900s and expanded into furniture and interior design. But by the end of his career, he was best known for being a skilled ensemblier, a term for a designer who not only makes furniture and decorates spaces but rather personally crafts each and every piece required in the space, from doorknobs to sofas. This practice ensured that the space was harmonious and consistent with Ruhlmann’s vision, and it contributed to the lasting popularity of his designs.
Ruhlmann enjoyed the patronage of the newly affluent and was encouraged by the popularity of Art Deco. While the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements were early influences, he is renowned for the modernity of his Art Deco–era designs, which reflected the celebratory nature of the times, including an integration of opulent flourishes; luxurious materials like Macassar ebony, amboyna burl, ivory and precious metals; and skilled craftsmanship and construction techniques.
Renowned all over the world, Ruhlmann was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to design a cabinet in 1925, embellishing its curved door with a sophisticated floral motif by way of an ornate marriage of wood and ivory veneer. Also in 1925, at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, arguably the exhibition that introduced Art Deco on an international level, his pavilion was the most popular.
By the time the economic depression of the 1930s materialized, Ruhlmann’s exorbitantly expensive designs were no longer viable. But the majesty and elegance of the ’20s remain an important part of design history, and Ruhlmann has been described as “perhaps its finest exponent.”
Find a collection of authentic Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann furniture on 1stDibs.
Ruhlmann Kindwood and Gilt Bronze Side Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Kingwood side table with two platforms and four elegantly curved legs with gilt bronze sabots. Stamped ‘Ruhlmann’ and with the Atelier ‘A’ mark. Reference number 1001NR in the Ruhl...
Bronze
Ruhlmann 'Cabanel Basse-Boule' Indian Rosewood Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
“Cabanel Basse-Boule” table in Indian rosewood and rosewood veneer on a Hungarian oak frame. The thick top rests on four large fluted spheres set on circular plinths with open rectan...
Oak, Rosewood
Ruhlmann 'Rasson Model Macassar Ebony Small Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Alfred Porteneuve
Located in Berlin, DE
One small table ‘Rasson’ Model in Macassar ebony with glass top. The table was designed by Ruhlmann and edited by Porteneuve. Stamped 'Dessiné par Ruhlmann, Edité par Porteneuve'. Re...
Glass, Ebony, Macassar
Ruhlmann 'Sulzer' Honduran Mahogany Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
'Sulzer' Desk in honduran mahogany with silvered bronze details. Referenced in the Ruhlmann Archives under 1504NR. Stamped Ruhlmann with the Atelier A mark and dated 1932 on the unde...
Bronze
Ruhlmann and Porteneuve Semi-circular Mahogany Desk
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Alfred Porteneuve
Located in Berlin, DE
A mahogany desk, designed by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and edited by Alfred Porteneuve. Semi-circular top resting on two drawer units with silvered bronze handles. A mahogany desk, d...
Bronze
Ruhlmann 'Consolette' Mahogany and Marble Console Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Console table known as 'Consolette’ in mahogany with a black marble top and elegantly curved leg. Referenced in the Ruhlmann Archives under nos. 4002 NR t 1034 AR. The model exhibite...
Marble
Ruhlmann Rare Two-Tier Macassar Ebony Console
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare two-tier console in Macassar ebony, a variation of the console originally created by Ruhlmann in 1915. The rectangular top, framed by an elegant gadroon, rests on four tall, sli...
Ebony, Macassar
$18,825Sale Price|20% Off
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann Art Deco Gueridon Table, Wood & Brass, 1930
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Art Deco Gueridon with square top. Execution of the Atelier E.J. Ruhlmann, Paris, early 1930s. Jacques-E'mile Ruhlmann - Atelier J. E. Ruhlmann. Frame veneered in fine solid wood, brass tips. Slight defects due to age and use. This rare gueridon is the perfect addition to Art Deco style furniture...
Brass
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, "Modèle Sultzer, " Art Deco Desk, Mahogany, 1932
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
This rare writing table in polished mahogany and silvered bronze is marked by E´mile-Jacques Ruhlmann's signature aesthetic motifs, manifest in its set of flared and tapered legs, an...
Bronze
Pair of French 1940’s Walnut Burl and Ebonized Consoles
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of French 1940’s walnut burl and Ebonized consoles with incorporated mirrors attributed to Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
Mirror, Burl, Walnut, Wood
Elegant Italian Small Desk in Cherry and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Writing desk, cherry, mahogany, brass, formica, Italy, 1950s Very elegant desk made in Italy in the 1950s. The framework is executed in cherry. The...
Brass
French Empire Style Bronze and Mahogany Desk Leather
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Very decorative French desk in the empire style. Structure in solid mahogany and veneered, it is composed of an empire green leather under hand, three drawers with double handles and...
Bronze
Louis XV-Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marble-Top Side Table
By Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener
Located in New York, NY
A fine Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted mahogany and marble-top side table. Attributed to Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (1848-1895) Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: H 2...
Marble, Bronze
On Hold|$6,200
H 32.5 in W 45.75 in D 17 in
Louis XVI Console Table, Ebonized Mahogany, Marble, French, 1800
Located in Austin, TX
Console table from France from Louis XVI period. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of...
Marble, Brass
Victorian Mahogany Dickens Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a Victorian mahogany dickens desk, having four drawers on each side of the top, locked with a side locker, with three green leather inserts an...
Mahogany
$2,960
H 35.5 in W 38.5 in D 14 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Marble Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
A refined 19th-century French Louis XVI style mahogany console table (or console desserte), perfect for an entryway, hallway, or sophisticated living space. The piece features a classic, elegant demilune silhouette with a white Carrara marble top. The marble is framed by an openwork pierced brass gallery that elegantly follows the contoured shape of the table. Design & Construction Details Frieze Drawer: The front is fitted with a single paneled frieze drawer outlined in delicate brass beading It retains its original working lock and an antique iron skeleton key...
Marble, Brass
Elegant French Art Deco Table, Macassar, 1940s
By Jules Leleu, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Dining table, Macassar, France, 1940s. Majestic centre table in Macassar. This Art Deco table shows great craftsmanship. The base and legs are beautifully detailed. This table has...
Brass
$18,500
H 17 in W 58 in D 31 in
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann French Art Deco Style Rectangular Coffee Table, Macassar
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Stamford, CT
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann French Art Deco Style Rectangular Coffee Table, Macassar Ebony Low table is the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlman's "Cabanel Basse-Boule" coffee table originally ...
Wood, Ebony, Macassar
Maison Soubrier French Art Deco Mahogany Desk
By Maison Soubrier, André Arbus
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant French Art Deco mahogany writing desk featuring three drawers fitted with square nickel-plated bronze pulls, slender tapering legs, and a subtly stepped top.
Bronze, Nickel
$8,875 / set
H 20.63 in W 23.75 in D 17.88 in
Pair of Modern Neoclassical Iron and Gilt Bronze End / Side Tables, J C Moreux
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical end or side tables attributed to Jean-Charles Moreux for Maison Jansen. The pieces have a rare, compelling energy as they balance moder...
Brass, Wrought Iron, Bronze
French Art Deco Macassar Ebony Console Table
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Stunning French Art Deco Macassar ebony accent table / Console table. Perfect for any room in your home and adds a nice touch of decor.
Macassar
French Art Deco Desk in Mahogany and Satinwood
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
French Art Deco Desk An exceptional quality French art deco desk produced in the 1920s from Mahogany and satinwood, the desk has a thick Hyde leather inset top, two lockable drawer...
Mahogany, Satinwood
Art Deco Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann Style Dressing Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Kingston, NY
Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann style Art Deco dressing table, France, "chinoise laquee" abstract eggshell inlay design by Dunand, in black lacquer, marked with ...
Wood
Art Deco Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann Extension Dining Table, circa 1929
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Buffalo, NY
Beautiful and rare example, Art Deco extension table, model 1315 NR, circa 1929, Stampted Ruhlmann and a, stunning figured, richly grained Mac...
Macassar
Sold
H 30 in W 47 in D 27.5 in
Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Oak Desk and Chair, Cité Universitaire de Paris, 1932
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in High Point, NC
A desk and chair by French Art Deco master Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Tooled oil-cloth applied to the top of the desk. Chair with a corded seat. ...
Hemp, Oak
E.J. Ruhlmann: Rare And Elegant 1930 Desk In Oak And Ash
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Encino, CA
Rare elegant desk by Emile-Jacques RUHLMANN in oak and ash with a suede top and a single large drawer with a brass knob. This very rare desk was part of the interior design for the student rooms at a University in Paris in the 1930s. Only 20 of these desks were sold at auction in 2002 when the university changed their furnishings. We also have an original 1930 chair...
Oak, Ash
E.J. Ruhlmann: Rare And Elegant 1930 Desk In Oak And Ash
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Encino, CA
Rare elegant desk by Emile-Jacques RUHLMANN in oak and ash with a suede top and a single large drawer with a brass knob. This very rare desk was part of the interior design for the student rooms at a University in Paris in the 1930s. Only 20 of these desks were sold at auction in 2002 when the university changed their furnishings. We also have an original 1930 chair...
Oak, Ash
Art Deco Dining Table by Jacques Emile Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage French art deco dining table by noted designer Jacques Emile Ruhlmann. The piece has a pedestal base with stylized "scrolled" feet and...
Wood