The present modular bookcase was one of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann's favored designs, as evidenced by his selection of them for inclusion in the 1929 Salon des Artistes Décorateurs and for use in his own office. They were also in the collection of the Maharajah of Indore, employed in his study at Manik Bagh Palace. The drawing for the design is recorded in the reference album "Tables, bureaux, secrétaires, gros meubles," (inventory number 2002. 18. 13) held by the Ruhlmann Archives at the Musée des Années Trente, Boulogne Billancourt, Paris. Charles Gauthier, of the prominent French champagne-producing family, were known patrons of Ruhlmann.