Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Christie's New York, March 20, 1981, lot 361
Acquired from the above by the present owner

René Chavance, "Le XIXe Salon Des Artistes Décorateurs," Art et Décoration, July 1929, p. 10
Pierre LaHalle, L'Oeuvre de Ruhlmann sur le Paquebot 'Il de France'." Mobilier et Décoration, October 1927, p. 152 (for a related model)
Florence Camard, Ruhlmann:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1983, p. 170
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, eds., Ruhlmann:  Genius of Art Deco, Montreal, 2004, pp. 30 and 39
Emmanuel Bréon, Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann:  Furniture, Paris, 2004, p. 78
Florence Camard, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, pp. 205, 250, 265 and 302 (for related models)

Overall very good condition. It appears that a later finish has been sensitively applied to the wooden elements of this table. With some minor surface scratches and rubbing to the finish to the top of the table and some light scratches to the legs consistent with use. With a concentrated area of white discoloration likely to the later finish at the center portion of table top, as seen in the catalogue illustration. These isolated areas, with two smaller similar discolorations to other areas of the top, are even to the touch and do not impact the top surface. It is possibly that these discolorations are a result of separation of the later finish and the wood. With one very minor finish loss measuring less than 1/4 x 1/4 inch to the top, which is presently darker in color and therefore most visible on close inspection. With some scattered minor losses to the veneer, the longest ¼ inch in length concentrated to the top edge of the base adjacent to the removable top also from use and removable of the table's top. The felt to the underside of the table's top is later and executed in a manner consistent with the original design and is in excellent condition. Each of the ashtrays retain their original liners with some minor discolorations consistent with very gentle use. The brass sabot also with a few minor discolorations consistent with the aging process of the metal. A very nice table when viewed in person.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present model was included, beginning in 1927, in several of Ruhlmann’s most notable commissions of the late 1920s.  Introduced in the interior of the Dubly family, from which the model name derives, the table de jeux was also selected by Ruhlmann for the Salon des Artistes Decorateurs exhibition held in Paris in 1929, as well as for the salon of the Ile de France ocean liner.