"Lasalle" Commode

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

ca. 1925 · Macassar ebony, ivory, silvered bronze · Modern and Contemporary Art

Ruhlmann’s furniture of the mid-1920s relies on abstract decorative patterning to emphasize its subtle forms. Diamonds, dentils, and rows of dots are typical motifs. Yet despite the linear, geometric quality of his decoration, Ruhlmann rarely used straight lines for the forms of his pieces, preferring gentle curves that were technically difficult to make. This commode is decorated with delicate ivory stringing in a diamond pattern that incorporates the division between top and bottom drawers as an integral part of its design; the outer edge of each front leg is articulated with a perfectly proportioned ivory volute.

Artist

Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann

Date

ca. 1925

Medium

Macassar ebony, ivory, silvered bronze

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chow, 1984