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.
Large Burnished Silver Leaf Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large bold framed Mirror with the Original mirror and burnished silver leaf finish by James Mont. There are few marks on mirror that only adds to its character
Wood
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...
Mirror, Wood
$12,500
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.
Mirror
$10,800 / set
Pair Silver Gilt Mirrors by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Hard to find pair of mirrors, in original silver gilt with original mirrors intact, both signed. The mirrors show some oxidizing , normal and consistent with age. 4"- molding
Giltwood, Mirror
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.
Mirror, Wood
James Mont Cerused Oak, Silvered Bamboo Mirror, 1 of 2
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Custom finished bleached, white cerused oak framed mirror with a silver leaf bamboo frieze top. Mint restored condition. Currently a pair is available.
Silver Leaf
James Mont Huge Black Mirror in Cinnabar Lacquered Frame
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Photos don’t begin to do justice. Request a video call. Oversize James Mont cinnabar flame lacquer finish framed wall mirror 66" H x 60" W x 2" D. The mirrored glass itself is tinte...
Mirror, Wood
James Mont Cerused Oak, Silvered Bamboo Mirror, 2 of 2
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Custom finished bleached, white cerused oak framed mirror with a silver leaf bamboo frieze top. Mint restored condition. Currently a pair is available.
Silver Leaf
Tramp Art Silver Leaf Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tramp Are mirror with exquisite silver leaf detail, a stunning example of folk art craftsmanship. The intricate geometric patterns and layered designs showcase the artistry and creat...
Silver Leaf
Rococo Giltwood Mirror
By La Barge
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rococo antique gold leaf mirror attributed to La Barge Italy.
Wood
Large octagonal cerused-oak mirror
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Octagonal cerused-oak mirror with a thick chunky stacked molded frame and beveled glass. The cerused-oak finish has a soft neutral palette, a mix of light beige and taupe with white ...
Mirror, Wood
19th Century France Weathered Whitewash Cerused Oak Wall Mirror
Located in High Point, NC
Cerused oak wall mirror in Weathered Whitewash. Its weathered whitewash finish sets off simple molded frame, softly worn finish, a hallmark of of the french provincial period France ...
Glass, Oak
Antique Rococo Style Porcelain Mirror by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Antique Rococo style porcelain mirror by Meissen German, 19th century Measures: Height 94cm, width 66cm, depth 14cm...
Porcelain, Mirror
$4,844 / item
H 46.07 in W 25.99 in D 1.97 in
Murano Pink Glass and Brass Console Mirror / Wall Mirror, 2020
Located in Roma, Lazio
Stunning mirror in blazing pink color Murano glass, Venice. A mirror that alone will furnish your home environment. The mirror has a rear structure in wood, on which four Murano gla...
Brass
Monumental Silver Leaf Sunburst Mirror
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a dramatic contemporary sunburst mirror featuring a bold circular frame with radiating hand-carved rays finished in a warm silver leaf. The sculptural surround is composed of...
Wood
Oval Mirror with Bone Inlay, Callison Mirror
By Karl Springer
Located in New York City, NY
Made of solid wood and topped with camel bone chips, this mirror frame adds a calming magnificence to any space. Each chip is hand carved in small hexagons to align with the convex w...
Bone
Oval Mirror with Bone Inlay, Callison Mirror
By Elsa Peretti
Located in New York City, NY
Made of solid wood and topped with camel bone chips, this mirror frame adds a calming magnificence to any space. Each chip is hand carved in small hexagons to align with the convex w...
Bone
$5,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 58.5 in W 47.5 in D 2 in
French Modern Carved Gilt & Silver Wood Mirror, James Mont Style
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Modern Carved Gilt & Silvered Wood Mirror, in the Style of James Mont France, Late 20th Century A substantial and visually arresting carved wood mirror reflecting the bold gl...
Wood, Giltwood
Contemporary Silver Gilt Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary white gold leaf cove design mirror. 48" x 40" Available in custom sizes. Please contact gallery for details.
Giltwood
Gilt Rococo Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A stunning carved giltwood Rococo phoenix crested mirror.
Giltwood
$2,331Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.7 in W 25.6 in D 0.6 in
Beautiful Mirror Made of a Burr Walnut Marquetry and Brass, circa 1960
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful mirror is made of a burr walnut marquetry surrounded by two brass frames. This is French work, circa 1960.
Brass
$1,940
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 0.79 in
Oval Wall Mirror in Stainless Steel, Triple Frame, Smoked Mirror, Italy, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful mirror in stainless steel with a fresh and modern line. Measures: cm. 80 x 60.
Steel, Aluminum
Brass Pocket Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass pocket mirror - the small mirror is great for the pocket, bag, back pack or desk. Double sided with mirror on both sides the same, no magnification...
Brass
Large Cerused Oak Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful large bold moulded cerused oak mirror in a soft olive green stained finish. The mirror is branded JAMES MONT.
Mirror, Wood
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...
Wood
James Mont Silver Leaf Wood Mirror
By James Mont
Located in Miami, FL
Offered for sale is a rare James Mont silver leaf wood mirror with a wood panel with incised decorative leafs.
Mirror, Wood
Large Venetian Style Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 1950s large Venetian style mirror by James Mont. Antiqued mirror with a cloudy and just the right amount of patination for that Glamorous smokey reflection. The mirror ha...
Mirror
James Mont Vanity or Tabletop Revolving Mirror, 1950s
By James Mont
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vanity or tabletop revolving mirror in ebonized mahogany with bamboo motif by James Mont, American, 1950s.
Mirror, Mahogany
Bamboo Carved Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large mirror with carved bamboo detail by James Mont. The mirror has been newly refinished in a Neutral "driftwood" tone and is complimented by the silver leaf carved bamboo detail...
Silver Leaf
James Mont Bamboo Leaf Motif Wall Mirror
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Hand carved wall mirror with bamboo leaf motif and silver leaf finish. Can also be sold separately. Coordinating wall mounted console also available. American, c. 1950s
Wood
James Mont Mirror
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Asian inspired mirror by James Mont
Glass, Wood
Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Black ebonized framed mirror by James Mont.
Wood
James Mont Limed Oak Framed Mirror
By James Mont
Located in North Miami, FL
Limed or cerused frame on this oversized James Mont mirror.
Oak, Mirror
Pagoda Table Top Mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Table top top mirror with Oriental design by James Mont . The mirror has faux bamboo detailing and a pagoda top and retain the original finish.
Wood
Asian inspired mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large Vertical Asian inspired mirror by James Mont. The frame has a beautiful burnt orange lacquered finish and retains its original smoke finish...
James Mont Cerused Oak Mirror
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional cerused oak framed mirror designed by James Mont.
Mirror, Oak
Large Mirror with Carved Bamboo Motif
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Large framed mirror in glazed cerused oak finish with a wonderful border of caved bamboo detailing across the top in a gold leaf finish by JAMES ...
Wood
Large Cerused Oak mirror by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful large bold moulded cerused oak mirror in a soft olive green stained finish. The mirror is branded JAMES MONT.
Mirror, Wood