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James Mont Furniture

American, Turkish, 1904-1978

James Mont’s life as an unmistakably talented furniture designer and interior decorator could fill the pages of a best-selling novel or be reimagined as a Hollywood feature film. From the 1930s through the 1960s, Tinseltown’s glitterati and Manhattan’s Mafia underworld coveted his sofas, coffee tables and table lamps.

Mont was born Demetrios Pecintoglu in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1904 to a family of artists. He reportedly studied architecture and art in Spain and France, and during the 1920s, Mont immigrated with his family to the United States.

Mont and his family settled in New York, where he found work in a Brooklyn electrical supply shop. There he sold hardware and designed his own lighting fixtures. The latter caught the eye of a gangster named Frankie Yale, who commissioned him to refurnish his house. Mont’s opulent designs drew on Art Deco, Hollywood Regency and were occasionally marked by chinoiserie, then a very popular trend in decorating. He created the kind of low-profile side tables and sofas that are frequently associated with mid-century modernism, and he is credited today with helping popularize the integration of Asian influences in modern American design.

Mont soon attracted New York City’s most infamous crime bosses, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. For a range of mobsters, he created fashionable, functional and sophisticated pieces such as collapsible home bars that would fold down and out of view — a particularly convenient feature during Prohibition — and tables and desks with secret drawers, which were also handy to Mont’s shady clientele.

“You bought a bar from him, and he would also deliver booze in a baby carriage,” antiques dealer and furniture retailer Todd Merrill told New York about Mont in 2008.

Mont designed a room for the World’s Fair in 1939 and later befriended Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope, who was best man at his wedding, Irving Berlin and Lana Turner. During the 1940s and ‘50s, Mont continued designing furniture, mastering finishing techniques such as lacquering and incorporating a distinctive “leafing” print effect with silver and gold into his pieces.

Mont’s designs enjoyed a resurgence in the 1990s, and his pieces continue to be sought after by collectors.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage James Mont sideboards, tables and storage cabinets.

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Period: 1950s
Creator: James Mont
Original James Mont Cabinet in Asian Style
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare cabinet by James Mont in chinoiserie style. Original black lacquer and red painted interior. Original gilded wood handles.
Category

1950s North American Chinoiserie Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Frederick Cooper “Helix” Table Lamps
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Frederick Cooper Helix lamps designed by James Mont. Hand-carved fruitwood with a double barley twist. Art Deco/ Hollywood Regency feel. Re-wired for the US with Edison socke...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood, Giltwood

James Mont Pair of Hand Carved Figural Table Lamps 1950s
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Pair of hand carved table lamps with Chinese figures decorated in gold leaf and white gold leaf by James Mont, American 1950's. New custom silk shades by Lobel Modern. These iconic ...
Category

1950s American Chinoiserie Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Stunning James Mont Five-Panel Eglomise Room Divider Screen From the 1950s
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This magnificent James Mont screen room divider , created in 1950, is a stunning example of Mont's Chinese-modern style. Each of the glass panels is hand-finished with a verre eglomise design in gold metal leaf, backed with a silver metal leaf. The mirrors are framed in Mont's smoked-silver metal-leaf technique with some shades of red and are formed with pierced bases and pagoda-style tops. this screen can be found in "Modern Americana...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

Mid Century Gilded Wood Vanity Dresser, Dressing Table by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vanity dresser - dressing table by James Mont Bring some Hollywood Regency into your room with this wonderful vintage vanity dresser - dressi...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large James Mont Oak Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning large Bleached Oak cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been Newly refinished in a Natural bleached oak and is accented with Antiqued gilt pulls.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of 1950's James Mont "War of the Worlds" Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Rare pair of 1950's James Mont lamps. The main lacquered lamp bodies are supported by eight tapered brass legs, and they have been Newly rewired for the US with adjus...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Sideboard in Black Lacquer with Greek Key Detail by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern black lacquer sideboard was realized by the legendary designer James Mont in the United States circa 1950. The hind legs of the piece are straight, volumetric rectangular forms, while the front legs have two L-shaped embellishments shooting out from the central stem- offering additional support and obliquely recalling elements of historical antique Chinese design motifs. The center of the piece is recessed, while the two sides are fitted with doors that open to reveal recessed shelves on the left and drawers on the right. The front of the doors offer traditional Kantharos Greek urns with stylized handles culminating in Greek Key forms (a whimsical, tongue in cheek play on a classical motif). Additionally, there is a geometric border at the apex of the piece, suggesting a deconstructed Greek key motif. The piece is fitted with a smoked mirror top that offers a striking contrast to the black lacquer throughout the piece. Mont was renowned for assimilating elements of classical, orientalist, and Art Deco design into a modern sensibility, using the most luxuriant materials available, a style he termed "Chinese Modern." Mont's pieces filled the interiors of the "who's who" in midcentury America, from East Coast Mafia tycoons to Hollywood's elite. This iconic and dramatic piece exemplifies the qualities that collectors treasure in Mont's practice. The high keyed contrast of the radiant black lacquer finish and gilt recalls the opulent interiors of an Oriental palace...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Glass, Lacquer

Pair of Frederick Cooper “Helix” Table Lamps
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Frederick Cooper Helix lamps designed by James Mont. Hand-carved fruitwood with a double barley twist. Art Deco/ Hollywood Regency feel. Re-wired for the US with Edison socke...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood, Giltwood

James Mont Cinnabar Lacquered Wall Bracket
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont Design cinnabar lacquered wall bracket, removed from a private residence designed by James Mont at 370 East 76th Street, New York, NY circa...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of James Mont Wall Brackets
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of stylized Asian modernist triangular wall mounted brackets in black lacquer and gold leaf by James Mont Designs. Demilune display ledge is ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Signed James Mont Sideboard in Black Lacquer W/ Gilded Wood Pulls
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This sideboard, signed by the illustrious 20th century designer James Mont, has an impact rarely seen. Bold and forward facing, this sideboard is beautifully restored in gleaming Bla...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Signed James Mont Design Pagoda Cocktail Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Signed "James Mont Design" 1950's 'Chinese Modern' pagoda-form black lacquer bar cabinet with red lacquer interior and 'speakeasy' discrete swivel c...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

James Mont Dark Tinted Mirror in Cinnabar Lacquer Frame
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Oversize James Mont cinnabar flame lacquer finish framed wall mirror 66" H x 60" W x 2" D. The mirrored glass itself is tinted quite dark. Provenance: from a private residence desi...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

James Mont Designs Asian Giltwood Panel
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont Asian mid-century modern carved giltwood fretwork wall panel with central circular stylized Orientalist carving with bamboo leaves and lotus trees, hand rubbed gold and silver leaf. 43" H x 45" W. Provenance: Removed from a private residence decorated by James Mont at 370 East 76th Street, New York, NY. James Mont frequently used such panels in his furniture and interior designs such as these lacquered console cabinets...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Giltwood

Pair of JAMES MONT Design Gilt Leafed Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of Wooden lamps with a beautiful gilt leafed finished. The lamps have been Newly re gilded and rewired with adjustable polished bras...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Beautiful Red Lacquered Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful red lacquered cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been Newly refinished in a stunning high gloss red lacquer accented by gold leaf pulls. The ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

James Mont Lamp
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large scale table lamp. Carved and gilt surface. Period shade.
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Spectacular James Mont Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular James Mont cabinet Newly restored in a stunning high gloss lacquered finish. The cabinet features two center doors with adjustable interior shelves and six side drawers....
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Softwood

James Mont Occasional Pedestal Table Black Laquer
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An original James Mont, signed table in black lacquer, ca' 1950's. Very heavy, looks like a sculpture.
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

James Mont Style Horseshoe Lounge Chairs, Pair
By James Mont
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Stunning pair of James Mont style Asian horseshoe armchairs. Both possess a dark stain wood frame with hand carved reliefs and decorations. The ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wool, Wood

Pair of James Mont Silver Leafed Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of glazed silver leafed lamps by James Mont. The lamps have been newly rewired with polished nickel double clusters. The price is for the pair   
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Spectacular Pair of Rare James Mont Scroll Cabinets
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully executed pair of James Mont cabinets with scroll handles. The cabinets have been Newly restored in a glazed silver leaf finish and are branded "JAMES MONT DESIGN".
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of James Mont Oak Front Cabinets
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of cabinets by James Mont. The newly refinished black satin cabinets are set off by wonderful oak patchwork door fronts. One cabinet has four interior drawers and the...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood, Oak

Classic James Mont Tall Back Chair
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic James Mont tall back chair, ca' 1950's. Lacquered frame with velvet upholstery.
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

James Mont Architectural Side Table
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Architectural side table by James Mont. Square side table with Architectural column details and banded with a Greek Key trim. The table ret...
Category

1950s American Neoclassical Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

James Mont Pair of Mirrored End Tables
By James Mont
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of end tables by James Mont. Fully mirrored with a brass urn shaped support.
Category

1950s Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Brass

James Mont Cerused King Size Bed Headboard with Integrated Nightstands
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Original signed James Mont Designs upholstered king size headboard with integrated nightstands and two-piece platform bed frame o...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Giltwood, Oak

Pair of Rare James Mont Bamboo Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of James Mont bamboo lamps with a frog and snail detail. The lamps have their original silver leafed finish with a red underglaze and...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of James Mont Sofa's
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful James Mont Sofa's. The elegant Lattice framed Sofa's have been Newly reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric and each sofa has two separate ...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

James Mont Lattice Frame Upholstered Bench
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Black lattice frame bench by James Mont. The bench has been newly refinished and reupholstered in an ivory colored fabric with biscuit tufted detail.
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

James Mont Cerused Oak Mirror
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
James Mont Cerused oak mirror. The wood retains the original finish which is in excellent vintage condition. The mirror can be hung horizontal...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Stunning Large Black Lacquered Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular James Mont branded black lacquer chest of drawers with raised edges. Gold leafed raised draw pulls and four luxuriously deep draws of 8" each.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

Rare Pair of James Mont Mid-Century Lounge Chairs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of rare lounge chairs by James Mont. The wide framed chairs have been fully restored with satin black frames and Mohair upholstery which is tufted on the seats.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of James Mont Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Pair of column lamps by James Mont. The lamps have a beautiful decorative design with a glazed silver leaf finish. They have been newly rewired for the US with polished nickel doub...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Rare "Rococo" Modern Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite rare Rococo modern mirror by James Mont. This unusual mirror has an undulating frame retaining its original finish of silver leaf. Wonderf...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Large Cerused Oak Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful large cerused oak mirror in the original soft olive green stained finish. The mirror is branded James Mont.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Rare Pair of Wave Front Cabinets / Nightstands by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of rare wave front cabinets / nightstands by James Mont. The cabinets have been totally restored in a beautiful ebonized finish.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

James Mont Silver Leafed Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful brushed glazed silver leaf cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been totally restored to the original finish. The bell shaped metal handles open the doors to an interio...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Pair of Club Chairs by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
These glamorous and elegant chairs by James Mont, circa 1950. Each chair sits low and has a channeled barrel back that curves around, a thick cushioned seat and ebonized feet. Origin...
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood

James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Grand scale console cabinet in hand rubbed black lacquer finish by James Mont (1904-1978), the "godfather of exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalism" into American 20th century...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Pair of James Mont Dolphin Chairs
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of high back dolphin chairs by James Mont. The chairs have been beautifully reupholstered in a luxurious Romo velvet fabric and sit on de...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Upholstery

Iconic Bamboo Style Dresser by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large bamboo dresser designed by James Mont. This is a beautiful example of his iconic bamboo style. The casework is of Cerused oak and it has been newly refinished with the bamboo...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Oak

Stunning Cabinet in Black Cerused Oak with Carved Bamboo Motif by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning cabinet by James Mont. It is finished in a glamorous black cerused oak, and the small pedestals at each end have a gilded carved bamboo motif.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Very Rare James Mont Burnished Leaf Coffee Table
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Extremely rare James Mont burnished silver leaf coffee table. The table has bold moldings around the top and is in Good original vintage condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair of Lamps by James Mont with Chinese Warrior Figures
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous pair of table lamps by James Mont. They have silver leafed oriental style pedestals that support polychromed wooden figurines of equestrian Chinese...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Metal

Beautiful James Mont Mirror
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular James Mont mirror with a wonderful carved frame in the original silver celadon finish. The mirror itself has an antique patina.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Mirror

James Mont Cinnabar Lacquered Secretaire
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Extremely rare, possibly one of a kind, secretary cabinet with bookcase by the godfather of exotic modernism, James Mont, circa 1950. Hand rubbed cinnabar lacquered...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

A James Mont Gold Leaf Decorated Lamp
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful table lamp by James Mont, in gold leaf (with green underlayer). Simple architectural form.
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Mid-Century Floor Lamp by James Mont, with Original Shade
By James Mont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We have over 3000 antique sconces and over 1000 antique lights, if you need a specific pair of sconces or lights, use the "Contact Dealer" button to ask us, we might have it in our s...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Large Glazed silver Leaf Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Large cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet which has a slight trapezoid edge has been beautifully restored in a stunning glazed silver leaf finish and is branded "James Mont". The round door...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Silver Leaf

Pair of 1950s James Mont Lamps
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of 1950s hand carved Chinese figurine lamps by James Mont. The cinnabar lamp bases and figurines are decorated with gold leaf. ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

James Mont Hand-Carved Hollywood Regency Buddha Lamp
By James Mont
Located in Pasadena, TX
Hand carved Buddha with plaster details. The lamp features lovely details in gold patina. Lampshade is not original. Example of a seated Buddha figure lamp by James Mont.
Category

1950s American Hollywood Regency Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold

Large Bamboo Dresser by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large bamboo detailed dresser by James Mont. This large 2-piece cabinet has been restored in a natural driftwood finish and is in Excellent condition and is accented by the beautifu...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

James Mont Large Coffee Table in White Gold Leaf, 1950s
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large coffee table decorated in white gold leaf with smoke glass top and key design on all sides with column legs by James Mont, American, 1950s.  
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Gold Leaf

James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Blonde polished lacquer console cabinet by James Mont (1904-1978), the father of "exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalism" into America...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Wood

Minimalist Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Minimalist cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been newly refinished in a high gloss white lacquer. The lacquered doors are accented by the silver leaf "X" door pulls.  
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage James Mont Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

James Mont Mirrored Cabinet, 1950s
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 1950s mirrored cabinet by James Mont. This beautifully executed mirrored cabinet has a hand-carved deeply beveled silver leaf and burnish frame. The cabinet features fou...
Category

1950s American Vintage James Mont Furniture

James Mont furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

James Mont furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of James Mont furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by James Mont were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Gerald Thurston, The Marbro Lamp Company, and Robert Sonneman.

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