Structure in Sapeli mahogany; decoration with gilded brass astragal and little spheres in white coral.; inlay in ivory.
cm. 160 x 28 x h. 105
Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
The bookcase is moderately high, and underlines Ruhlmann’s design approach, i.e. his rejection of quantity in favour of quality.
The bookcase is made up of a system of shelves interrupted by unbroken vertical and protruding elements which seem to deliberately contrast with and balance the prevalent horizontal movement. The set of levels is contained inside a parallelepiped with rounded corners. The upper part has a frieze, bordering the edge of the case itself, and is slightly set back and decorated with wavy inlay set with a gilded astragal incorporating a series of tiny ivory spheres (in white coral in the reconstructed version).
Additional inlay, on the edges of the top level, highlights the side edges of the entire composition. The bookcase descends to the floor in a gradual fashion, with shelves which draw back, creating a play of shadow. The inner height of the compartments decreases gradually as they proceed upward, achieving the effect of a vertical dynamics which would otherwise be lacking.
For
further information contact: Italian Trade Commission - Atlanta Office
- 233 Peachtree Street N.E. Suite 2301 Atlanta, GA 30303 USA