Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston, TX
Sotheby's New York, December 2, 1989, lot 725
Private Collection, Princeton, NJ
Sotheby's New York, March 11, 2004, lot 211
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Florence Camard, Ruhlmann:  Master of Art Deco, New York, 1983, pp. 248-249
Emmanuel Bréon and Rosalind Pepall, eds., Ruhlmann:  Genius of Art Deco, Montreal, 2004, pp. 250 and 252 (for renderings of related examples)
Florence Camard, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, Paris, 2009, pp. 180 (for a related model included in the Exposition des Arts Décoratifs, 1925)

Overall in very good condition. The wood used to the executed this work with superb figuring and deep coloration. It appears that a later finish has been sensitively applied to the wooden elements of this bedframe. With a few shallow scattered edge scratches concentrated to the lower edge of the side rails. The ivory throughout the piece in very good original condition and displays very slight discoloration, which is consistent with the natural aging process of the material. With some minute age cracks to the ivory along the stringing decorative inlays and along the larger top banded detail along the headboard's top. There are no losses and the ivory throughout is stable. The raised ivory decorations along the top of the headboard are finely carved and in very good condition. The surfaces of the headboard have been recently cleaned and polished. The bed is presently fitted with two custom cushions and later wooden interior frame, which will be sold with the lot and are shown in the catalogue illustration. The design of this bed model allows for a king size mattress. This bed with wonderful detailing to the stringing in the head and footboards and to the decoration of the side tables. A very nice work when seen 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.