James Mont (1904 – 1974) Lavish and tasteful describe Mont's style, whose labor intensive lacquer and gilt finishes are hallmarks of his Asian inspired modernism. A favorite among Hollywood stars and notorious figures of the underworld, Mont's pieces continue to exude bold confidence in interiors today. The ultimate showman, James Mont's flair for theatrics in dealing with his clients and several run ins with the law sometimes led to greater infamy than his glamorous, custom interiors brought fame.
Mont's work is highly sought after and collected by an elite group of aficionados who appreciate his brilliant creativity and lavish production.
Tall Back Chair by James Mont, circa 1950's, USA. Side chair in original tangerine wool upholstery with a round seat and exaggerated and dramatic curved back. On an oblong black lacquered base.
Oversized Carved Wood Table Lamp by James Mont, circa 1950's, USA. Spectacular carved table lamp with woven, natural parchment drum shade. Deeply grained, open work wood column, carved to resemble drift wood. Beautiful, striated silvered finish throughout.
Pair of Club Chairs by James Mont, USA, circa 1940's. Pair of chairs by James Mont with rolled arms, upholstered is green-grey silk velet and silk piping by Rose Cumming, with ebonized mahogany feet. All new down loose seat cushions, each with original James Mont labels under seat cushions. In mint restored condition, upholstered in the finest silk velvet available.
Curved Three Piece Sectional Sofa by James Mont, USA, circa 1940's. An exceptionally beautiful three-piece sectional by James Mont, newly upholstered in Rose Cumming grey silk velvet with grey silk piping on black lacquered recessed base. All new down loose seat cushions, flared arms, and two James Mont labels under seat cushions. In mint restored condition, finest silk velvet available.
A pair of elegant and very comfortable side (or, dining) chairs by James Mont, USA, circa 1950’s. Original vintage tufted upholstery in red and pink cotton velvet, with gracefully shaped legs in red-pink striated paint. Excellent original condition. Measurements: 35.5 x 25.5 x 21.5” (seat height: 16.5”)
Set of Six Gaming or Dining Chairs by James Mont USA 1963
Magnificently designed, Chinese inspired chairs with circular bent wood backs and legs, each finished in antiqued gold metal leaf over a terracotta base.
New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Circa 1950, USA
A rare matched pair of large pagoda style Chinoisere consoles by James Mont. Each in original finish in gold and silver leaf over layers of orange and red base coats then finished in a high polish smoked lacquer for a unique Mont "antiqued" effect. Signed James Mont Designs with burned in mark.
Finish restored to original perfection.
Dimensions: 76 w x 28 h x 19" d
A demilune form console with a white marble top and exquisitely carved apron in bamboo motif, legs and base; all finished with Mont's expertly executed camouflage silver and gold leaf over cinnabar basecoat. A classic look with a modern twist. The "camo" technique was one of the most labor intesive and time consuming for the craftspeople at James Mont Design.
Magnificent silver leaf double pedestal dining table, signed three times by James Mont. Table has three leaves and seats 10-12. Top incised with chic grid pattern and finished in silver leaf with subtle silvered-bronze patina over black basecoat, with a gilded Greek key relief to the apron, supported by two fluted column pedestals with large Greek key formed bases.
A large sideboard in two sections, the top section contains a smoked mirrored panel behind an angled shelving unit with a recessed central panel embellished with applied carved flowers and birds finished in a silver and gold leaf camouflage pattern, this is flanked by an open frame comprising round shelves with a key pattern relief on the edges and finished in gold leaf. The appliques were hand carved by one of Mont's expert craftsman he employed in his workshop. Supporting the mirrored shelving unit is a silver leaf cabinet comprising two wide drawers flanked by two doors, with two round Asian style pulls in gold leaf. Burned in mark James Mont Design.
A pair gilt dressers and mirrors by James Mont, c. 1950s. The dressers have an undercoat mixture of crimson and black that permeates through a thin layer of antiqued gold metal leaf. A gilt bamboo appliqué and molding graces the top panels on the front, left and right side. Two drawers each have one circular Asian styled pull that completes the piece. The mirrors have gilt bamboo appliqués at the top and bottom of the frame; the frame is finished in an antique gold metal leaf with a crimson and black undercoat that creates a warm glow.
Excellent restored condition
32h 48w 20d dressers
53h 41w mirrors
A large custom smoked mirror in vintage early 20th century frame designed and produced by James Mont for the King Cole Penthouse in Miami, Florida in 1963. The smoked mirror is of exceptional quality surrounded by a beautiful antiqued gold leaf frame. Mont was known for using antique and found objects in his creations and this is a dramatic example of his decorative work. This mirror will add a substantial dose of mystery and glamour to any interior.
A unusual single extra-wide three-tier Pagoda table by James Mont in brass leaf over silver leaf in original antique high lacquer finish. Exceptionally rare to find untouched original finish in this condition.
Pair of Gilt Tall Cabinets by James Mont
USA c. 1950
A pair of gilt tall cabinets signed James Mont Designs. Each cabinet finished completely in antiqued gold metal leaf with pure gold accents. Each gilded cabinet consists of two sections that have a cove molded gallery above a tall section with two paneled doors, each with beaded molding in the panels and circular Asian styled pulls; this rests on a shorter section with two doors and one circular Asian styled pull; and the entire cabinet rests on a cove molded base. Both top and bottom cabinets' interiors are ivory and fit for adjustable shelves. Tall elegant proportions, restrained detail and luxurious gold leaf finish make these the best of Mont's work.
In excellent original condition this dramatic entrance or foyer cabinet epitomizes the dark elegance of designer James Mont. A tall slender single door cabinet with adjustable shelves in ebonized and cerused oak features a lit glass-top that up-lights a heavily smoked scalloped wall-mounted mirror. The effect is pure drama that only Mont could create – works beautifully in a very small space.
A patinated silver-leaf Dining Table by James Mont, c 1950s in excellent original finish. The table is round with two leaves to extend it to an oval shape to seat six. The four legs are an open elongated key form. Finished in Mont’s signature patinated silver leaf technique of silver applied over a black base coat, then hand rubbed to create a serrated finish. An elegant dining table for a small space.
A set of six patinated silver leaf Dining Chairs by James Mont, c 1950s. Each chair has open elongated Greek Key backs, newly upholstered seats in soft grey leather that sit on four square legs. Finished in original silver-leaf over black in excellent condition, designed to accompany the round table listed above.
A Smoked mirrored console by James Mont, c 1950s, features hand carved Caryatid side supports and scrolled pulls. The cabinet has a wide inverted V-shaped front with two caryatid supports on either end, two doors that open to cabinets with adjustable shelves. Smoked mirror top, side and doors are framed in Mont’s signature patinated silver leaf finish over maroon and black.
Excellent Original Condition
30.25H 74W 19.5D
A Set of ten dining chairs by James Mont, c. 1950.Each chair with open elongated Greek Key backs, key pattern frieze apron in gold leaf, newly upholstered seat in dark grey silk velvet on four square legs.Two armchairs with open Greek Key arms. Finished in silver leaf.
A Silver Leaf Sideboard by James Mont, c 1950s.A large sideboard in two sections, the top section contains a smoked mirrored panel behind an angled shelving unit that contains a central panel of pierced, carved screen with a scene of flower and bird figures finished in silver and gold leaf camouflage pattern, flanked by an open frame holding round shelves with carved scalloped edges finished in silver and gold leaf camouflage pattern. The screen was hand carved by one of Mont's expert craftsman he employed in his workshop. Supporting the mirrored shelving unit is a silver leaf cabinet comprising two wide drawers flanked by two doors. Burned in mark James Mont Design.
A Pair of ebonized settees by James Mont, c. 1950.The settees’ frames have an open back and pierced sides in a geometric pattern that are ebonized and lacquered.Each is newly upholstered in grey satin. Labeled James Mont.
Smoked mirror coffee table by James Mont. Deeply smoked mirror shows wonderful ageing, black lacquered frame, classic Asian modern styling. Contains two hidden compartments underneath, an often requested feature from some of Mont's more notorious clientele.
A silver leaf and glass coffee table by James Mont, c. 1950. The table is silver leaf over underlays of lavender and black and features a platform base and two plinth supports. Each support is cut to accommodate a thick glass slab that slides through the two plinths to create a dramatic top to the table. Each side panel is decorated on both sides with 19th century carved Chinese elements in naturalistic forms: the interior sides with a flower bouquet, and the exterior sides with birds on branches. Mont gilded and antiqued the appliqués then set them in a carved frame. James Mont hired the finest craftsmen for his 5-story workshop on 57th Street in New York City where each floor was dedicated to a specific construction or finishing process. Mont perfected his labor-intensive gilding process while jailed at the infamous Sing Sing prison and thus dedicated an entire floor to this lengthy process. Base coats in various colors were layered under the meticulously applied silver or gold leaf to add a hint of color. Lastly, several layers of lacquer were applied (sometimes upwards of twenty layers); he used clear lacquer but also favored his smoked lacquer technique. This coffee table exemplifies the craftsmanship and detailing Mont adamantly required in his furniture.
Mint Restored Condition 22 H 65 L 16.5 D (56 H 165 L 42 D cm)
A pair of silver leaf horse lamps by James Mont, c. 1950. Each has a wooden shade with a carved edge, and a plinth that holds a carved statue of an Asian warrior mounted on a horse, slumped down as if weary from battle. The lamps are finished in a smoked silver leaf, a favorite of Mont’s. Mont’s Turkish background, with its unique blend of Western and Eastern traditions, influenced his designs and the Asian horseman often symbolizes status and power as well as the introduction of new cultures and traditions. This symbol is fitting for a Mont piece since he was the purveyor of “Chinese Modern” interiors and often produced pieces with Asian leanings such as these lamps. Mint Restored Condition 25.5H 9W 10D in 65H 23W 25D cm
An Oxidized Metal and Silver Leaf Cabinet by James Mont
USA, c. 1950
An oxidized metal and silver leaf cabinet by James Mont, c. 1950.The top has a pagoda style pediment, and the cabinet comprises three vertical sections.Each side has a door with applied latticework and three plaques each with carved Asian scenes and inside are four movable shelves.The upper center section is open and contains three shelves, the bottom shelf is an inverted U form and contains a small drawer decorated with an Asian scene in high relief.Below center are four drawers each with a diamond shape appliqué decorated with an Asian-style abstract form.The cabinet is finished in a camouflage pattern of oxidized copper leaf and smoked lacquer.
A silver leaf Pagoda console by James Mont, c 1950.A low console with metal a Pagoda shape top supported by three pierced cartouche shaped forms that rest on a three drawer case with square legs. Each drawer has a round pull with a relief of a Chinese style symbol in gold metal leaf, entire console finished in silver metal leaf. Signed with burned in mark, “James Mont Design”
A Silver leaf Chinoiserie side table by James Mont
USA c 1950
A silver leaf Chinoiserie side table by James Mont, c 1950.A petite rectangular side table comprising a single drawer with aChinese style symbol pull in gold leaf over an open frame with one shelf. All finished in silver leaf. Signed with burned in mark, “James Mont Design”.
Pair of Slipper Chairs in Silk Velvet by James Mont
USA c. 1950
Elegant, tufted back slipper chairs by James Mont. Tapered, ebonized feet. Very comfortable. Newly upholstered in deep peacock blue silk velvet.
30 H32 W29.5 D seat 16
Carved Silver Lamp by James Mont USA 1963 Spectacular carved and silvered lamp by James Mont. Deeply grained, open work wooden column with a beautiful silvered finish. Silk shade. Excellent original condition 41 H 15 D
Pagoda Console by James Mont USA 1963
Comprising three parts, two low cabinets flank a taller center cabinet, beautifully constructed and finished in a high polished “piano” black lacquer with a large Chinoiserie silvered bronze medallion pull. New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
“Opium Den” Sofa and Low Table by James Mont
USA 1963
Upholstered one-Arm sofa rests on a long platform in silver leaf over orange and black primer on oak with antiqued lacquer finish. The effect is gilded bronze. Burned in mark on underside of sofa James Mont Designs. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications.
Identical in form to the one listed in Eric Phillip’s October 2004 Exhibition page 51.
New York, designed ca 1948, this piece executed in 1963 with custom finish for Ellis Orlowitz The opium den low table accompanies the opium den sofa in matching silver leaf over orange and black primer on oak with antiqued lacquer finish. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications.
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Sheri Orlowitz, Miami, FL, USA
With an antiqued smoke-mirror top and Chinoiserie fretwork carved apron, on a single fluted column pedestal with a Greek key base. Finished in antiqued gold metal leaf. Accompanied by a copy of the original concept drawing of the Orlowitz dining room signed by James Mont. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications provided by Mont to Mr. Orlowitz.
New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Each with elongated Greek key backs and Chinoiserie fretwork carved apron, each finished in satin black lacquer with gold leaf detail. Seats retain original horsehair filling upholstered with new grey silk velvet and silk satin piping.
Accompanied by a copy of the original concept drawing of the Orlowitz dining room signed by James Mont. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications provided by Mont to Mr. Orlowitz.
New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Square top decorated with Chinoiserie fretwork carved apron on a fluted column base, finished in antiqued gold metal leaf as shown in concept drawing. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications provided by Mont to Mr. Orlowitz. New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Round top with Chinoiserie fretwork carved apron on a beautifully carved column pedestal and Lotus motif base, finished in silver leaf with gold leaf accents. Accompanied by a copy of the original concept drawing of the Orlowitz living room. New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Flip Top Gaming Table by James Mont USA 1963
Table features a flip top that opens and slides to double its size, top rests on Asian inspired legs in an X-form, finished in orange faded cinnabar lacquer. Listed on Mont’s Contract Specifications. New York, 1963
Provenance:
Ellis Orlowitz, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mr Steven Z Levinson & Dr Judi Berson-Levinson, King Cole Penthouse, Miami, USA
Mint Restored Condition
27 H 35 L (closed) 70 L (open) 35 D
Elegant, barrel style club chairs by James Mont, c.1940. Tapered, ebonized feet. Very comfortable. Mint restored condition, Newly upholstered in Nancy Corzine 100 % "Ice" silk velvet, with silk satin piping in "Steel".
An early solid oak hand-carved and dovetailed bar by James Mont. Hardware in bronze and oak stamped James Mont designs. Interior mirrored and orange lacquered. Deep drawers for liquor and glasses. Top with glass shelves. Each drawer is hand-carved and hand-dovetailed. Incredible quality and attention to detail. Oak triple folding door front and sides are carved to look like folded fabric. Mont was known for creating lavish Prohibition era bars for Hollywood and Mafia royalty. All oak is white washed and bleached to a beautiful natural effect.
Pagoda shaped table lamp by James Mont, c.1945. Layers of hand applied pigments distressed to reveal multiple colors of brown, slate, and muted reds. Original hand painted shade. Designed to be used flush against a wall.
Asian figural lamp by James Mont, with original hand painted and gilded parchment shade. Figure carved from driftwood with Mont's meticulous multi layered hand rubbed and gilded finish. A stunning example of Mont's work in shades of pale blue and grey with variegated gold.
A elegantly proportioned compact executive desk by James Mont in green stained oak with bronze hardware, mounts and original leather top. Desk is in excellent original condition. The desk with nine drawers, four graduated on each side with center drawer. Bronze banding around desk, designed on all sides to float in a room. Burned in mark James Mont Designs in center drawer, each of the nine bronze pulls stamped James Mont Designs.
A single dramatic ceramic, wood, paper and carved plaster gold-leafed lamp by James Mont, New York. The "antiqued and gilded" ceramic Asian figure sits on a carved and gilded wood base, the heavy paper shade has a ring of applied plaster that has been carved and the whole shade gold-leafed in 3" x 3" squares.
