The present "Ambassade" desk is a spectacular and rare example of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann’s exceptional approach to cabinetmaking and was arguably conceived of at the apex of his career. The origins of this design are inextricably linked to Ruhlmann’s significant and public contributions to the decorative arts scene of his time. Indeed, the design for the model was originally created for the Ambassade Française exhibition at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. From 1911 until his death in 1933, Ruhlmann contributed significantly to national and international exhibitions. These were instrumental to the development of not only the decorative arts in France during the first half of the twentieth century, but also in establishing him as a sought-after cabinetmaker and ensemblier. Ruhlmann partook in two major design exhibitions at the 1925 exposition - the Hotel du Collectionneur for which he designed the master scheme, and the more collaborative Une Ambassade Française. The Ambassade Française was the design of a theoretical office and apartment for a French Ambassador. It was organized by the Society of Decorative Artists and was a collaboration between two architects, L. H. Boileau and L. Carrière, and a selection of prominent interior and decorative designers including Pierre Chareau, André Groult, Henri Rapin and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. The exposition was well attended, and already having established a successful business in the art of interior and furniture design, Ruhlmann’s work received much praise. In the years leading up to the 1925 Exposition, Ruhlmann had developed a theatrical design sense, often employing classical floor plans and paying particular attention to proportions and the visual interaction of design elements. Situated in the ambassador's main office, the "Ambassade" desk was the focal point of the room. Created out of luxurious ébène de Macassar with a large flat top finished in intricately placed shagreen panels, the desk was further enhanced with the inclusion of ivory inlays and silvered bronze details. Ruhlmann continued to selectively use this design throughout his projects, oft🐽en with some minor variations to materials and scale. The inclusion of shagreen on the desktop, reserved for special commissions, is particularly noteworthy and distinguishes this example from other versions. Extremely well preserved and beautifully combining textures, materials and stunning details, the present “Ambassade” Desk figures as one of Ruhlmann’s most ambitious and successful creations.