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.
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.
Gold Leaf
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Hollywood Regency Sideboard Credenza by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Chic Art Deco, Hollywood Regency sideboard, credenza, server by noted master of the genre, James Mont. This example features a faux tortoise lacquered exterior, with unexpected ( exc...
Wood
James Mont Carved Bamboo Wall Cabinet. ( 2 Available )
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 1950's carved Bamboo wall cabinet by James Mont in Excellent original condition. The open grain cerused finished oak cabinet displays the beautifully carved bamboo silver le...
Silver Leaf
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, v...
Glass, Lacquer
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.
Mahogany
James Mont, Dresser, Wood, USA, 1940s
By James Mont
Located in High Point, NC
A wood dresser designed and produced by James Mont, USA, c. 1940s. Originally from a James Mont interior.
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....
Softwood
$22,000 / set
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...
Wood, Oak
Signed James Mont Design Pagoda Cocktail Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
Signed "James Mont Design" 1950's 'Chinese Modern' pagoda-form band rubbed black lacquered cocktail bar cabinet with mirror and red lacquer interior...
Wood
$11,200Sale Price|30% Off
James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Blonde polished lacquer console cabinet by James Mont (1904-1978), the father of "exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalis...
Wood
$10,360Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Console Table Credenza by James Mont, circa 1960, USA
By James Mont
Located in North York, ON
Modern Console Table Credenza by James Mont, circa 1960s, USA. Masterfully restored by the artisans at Carrocel in a semi-gloss white lacquered finish with hand painted gold accents....
Gold Leaf
James Mont Chinoiserie Dressers, Cerused Oak with Silver Leaf, 1950s
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mint restored bleached/cerused oak dressers with chinoiserie inspired carved bamboo trim with an aged silver leaf finish. Stamped James Mont Designs. Each chest has 3 drawers. On display at 200 Lexington...
Silver Leaf
Rare Pair of Decorator Mid-Century Modern 3-Drawer Dressers by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern decorator signed dressers or bachelor chests by James Mont. Silver drawer fronts with large ball shape pulls. Heavy solid birch waved shape block drawer f...
Birch
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...
Wood
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...
Gold Leaf
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...
Wood
Blue / Black Cerused Oak Cabinet 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 blue black cerused oak, and the small pedestals at each end have a gilded carved bamboo motif.
Wood
$6,230Sale Price|30% Off
James Mont Cinnabar Lacquered Secretaire
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE 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...
Wood
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...
Oak
James Mont Design, Signed, Pencil Reed Trapezoidal Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
James Mont Design, signed, trapezoidal single door cabinet in pencil reed, suitable as nightstand or side cabinet. Circa 1948. Measures 24" H x 24"...
Reed
Exceptional 1950's James Mont Mirrored Cabinet
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...
Mirror
$10,325Sale Price|30% Off
James Mont Console Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Grand scale console cabinet in hand rubbed black lacquer finish by James Mont (1904-1978), the "godfather of exotic modernism" who introduced "orientalism" into Americ...
Hardwood
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...
Pair of Elegant James Mont Cerused Custom Cabinet /Nightstand Chests
By James Mont
Located in Westport, CT
Pair of oak cerused James Mont petite three-drawer chest / nightstand cabinets with original bronze finish ring.
Metal
James Mont Koi Credenza, Solid Oak, Hand-Carved, Mid-Century 1940s
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Rare, made to order Koi cabinet featuring solid oak construction which has a custom white/sand cerused, wire brush finish. Cabinet features 4 large deep dr...
Oak
$2,560Sale Price|34% Off
James Mont Chin Hua Hollywood Regency Buffet Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua inspired buffet or cabinet designed by James Mont. Ebonized oak with silver leaf detailing. Four center drawers with carved pulls and two side doors with shelved storage.
Silver Leaf
Minimalist Cabinet by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Minimalist cabinet by James Mont. The cabinet has been refinished in a high gloss white lacquer. The lacquered doors are accented by the silver leaf "X" door pulls.
Lacquer
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent James Mont Goldfish Medallion Trapezoid Credenza Mid-Century Modern
By James Mont
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent James Mont goldfish medallion credenza. We just love the unusual trapezoid shape along with the newer silver lacquered finish-well done! James Mont (1904-1978), a noto...
Oak
$4,701
H 35.04 in W 46.07 in D 20.87 in
Art Deco Pear Wood Austrian Case Pieces Storage Cabinets Sideboard Credenza 1930
Located in Roma, Lazio
A beautiful patina characterizes the pear wood grain, enhanced by columns and feet lacquered in black shellac. Art Deco Austrian sideboard, all ven...
Pearwood
$1,392
H 20.08 in W 15.75 in D 8.47 in
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Wall Cabinet / Small Cabinet Carved Oak
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Lovely antique 19th century Neoclassical wall cabinet / small cabinet Germany 1880. This German Grunderzeit cabinet is made from hand carved oak & is richly decorated. A true display of craftsmanship & quality. This cabinet has 2 doors and comes with a working lock & key. Its interior has 2 oak shelves. The cabinet has a very nice old restoration to the right side dating from the 1940s. A piece of furniture history with the right antique charm...
Brass
Mae Credenza, Sideboard by Crump and Kwash
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae Credenza by Crump and Kwash Solid wood case / hand-turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close ...
Brass
James Mont Style Cabinet, circa 1960s
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
1960s James Mont style small sideboard, cabinet or credenza shown in original grey / charcoal finish with gilt exuberant Hollywood Regency medallions ...
$12,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 84.5 in D 20.25 in
Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza with Faux Parchment Fronts
Located in North York, ON
Modern black Lacquered sideboard credenza with Faux Parchment fronts. Featuring unique shaped design with ample storage options. Completed with a beautiful black lacquered finish and...
Wood
Mid-century James Mont Style Carved Media Credenza Stereo Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Mid-century Credenza Media Console with hand-carved asian scenics along the front doors in the style of James Mont. The cabinet features a working AM Radio ...
Wood
Fine Art Deco Sideboard Designed by Christian Krass
By Christian Krass
Located in New York, NY
A fine and elegant Art Deco sideboard designed by Christian Krass.
Giltwood, Oak
$6,900
H 29.75 in W 64.25 in D 18.25 in
Mastercraft Burl Wood Brass Greek Key Detail Credenza Sideboard William Doezema
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Miami, FL
Incredible William Doezema designed Burl Wood, brass and metal credenza, Sideboard or Cabinet. Features 4 doors and 2 drawers, decorated with Brass Pulls, Borders and Metal Greek Key...
Brass, Metal
$4,495
H 32 in W 72 in D 19 in
Charles Pfister for Baker Primavera Art Deco Sideboard Credenza or Bar Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company, Charles Pfister
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and gorgeous modern Art Deco sideboard, credenza, or bar cabinet By Charles Pfister for Baker Furniture USA, 1980s Primavera (white mahogany) wood, with parquetry inl...
Brass
$2,500
H 35.75 in W 23 in D 16.5 in
Antique English Corner Cabinet Carved Oak Hanging Wall Cabinet Storage 19C
Located in Tyler, TX
Beautiful Antique Highly Carved English Oak Hanging Wall or Freestanding Corner Cabinet, Medicine or Spice Cabinet with Interior Shelves Carved double doors with 3 open she...
Oak
$7,500
H 32.5 in W 72.25 in D 20.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Burl Wood and Black Lacquered Credenza by Directional
By Milo Baughman, Directional
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning mid-century credenza, attributed to the legendary Milo Baughman and crafted by Directional in the United States during the 1970s. This except...
Burl, Lacquer
$3,475
H 34 in W 67 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Gilt Lacquered Credenza / Chest Attributed to James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a great looking piece! It is a gilt lacquered handapplied finish with red undertones and Asian inspired hardware. It is mahogany and in very good condition. The credenza is a...
Mahogany
Sold
H 33 in W 52.5 in D 19 in
SpectacularJames Mont Cabinet In The Original Distressed silver Leafed Finish.
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Cabinet in the original distressed silver leaf finish by James Mont at his Finest. The beautifully executed cabinet with scrolled detailing and picture moldings is in the...
Wood
James Mont Bookcase Or Buffet Cupboard
By James Mont
Located in Houston, TX
James Mont Bookcase Or Cupboard Offered is a handsome Chinese Chippendale style bookcase, buffet cabinet, sideboard or cupboard with a pagoda top and a gilt Greek key design. This ve...
Wood
Rare James Mont Cabinet in Black Lacquer W/ Gilt Carved Handles
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This impressive and rare Mid-Century Modernist Cabinet by James Mont in Black Lacquered Walnut W/Gilt Carved Handles originates from the United States, Circa 1950. A truly outstandin...
Walnut, Giltwood
Pr. High Style Silver Gilt Bachelors Chests by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, chic and sophisticated pair of Hollywood Regency three drawer Bachelors Chests, in silver gilt finish, with upholstered drawer fronts. Both chests are structurally sound ...
Upholstery, Giltwood
James Mont chest of Drawers
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chest of drawers by James Mont with limed finish fronts and leather on the top and sides. branded "JAMES MONT" inside drawer
Oak
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.
Wood
Vintage MCM James Mont Carved Bamboo Double Dresser
By James Mont
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage MCM double dresser. Made by the iconic James Mont. A band of carved bamboo across the top. A chic cerused green finish. Acquired fr...
Bamboo
James Mont Asian Modern Painted Chest of Drawers
By James Mont
Located in Astoria, NY
James Mont Asian Mid-Century Modern monumental cream-painted chest of drawers in the Chinese Modern taste, designed circa 1960. 32" H x 83.5" W x 18" D. Provenance: Removed from a private residence...
Wood
Sold
H 12.5 in W 16.5 in L 12.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Greek Key Custom Pedestal Cabinets by James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of custom pedestal cabinets were realized by the legendary 20th century designer James Mont in the United States circa 1950. They feature volumetric rectangular bo...
Lacquer
James Mont Cerused Oak Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
The cabinet has been completely restored in a weathered cerused oak finish. The wonderful Trapezoid doors open to a single adjustable shelf with the branded JAMES MONT Signature.
Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 47.25 in D 14.97 in
20th Century James Mont Hollywood Regency Black Pagoda Cabinets Pair
By James Mont
Located in Glasgow, GB
James Mont Hollywood Regency Cabinets A pair of classic James Mont pagoda style cabinets circa 1950s Created with finest Mahogany, and adorned w...
Hardwood
James Mont Asian Modern Ebonized Chest of Drawers
By James Mont
Located in Astoria, NY
James Mont Asian Mid-Century Modern ebonized long chest of drawers, with peach lacquer elements in the Chinese taste, central drawer branded 'James Mont Design'.
Wood