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George Nakashima Furniture

American, 1905-1990

A master woodworker and M.I.T.-trained architect, George Nakashima was the leading light of the American Studio furniture movement. Along with Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof and Wendell Castle, Nakashima was an artisan who disdained industrial methods and materials in favor of a personal, craft-based approach to the design. What sets Nakashima apart is the poetic style of his work, his reverence for wood and the belief that his furniture could evince — as he put it in the title of his 1981 memoir — The Soul of a Tree.

Born in Spokane, Washington, to Japanese immigrants, Nakashima traveled widely after college, working and studying in Paris, Japan and India, and at every stop he absorbed both modernist and traditional design influences. The turning point in Nakashima’s career development came in the United States in 1942, when he was placed in an internment camp for Asian-Americans in Idaho. There, Nakashima met a master woodcarver who tutored him in Japanese crafting techniques. A former employer won Nakashima’s release and brought him to bucolic New Hope, Pennsylvania, where Nakashima set up a studio and worked for the rest of his life.

Nakashima’s singular aesthetic is best captured in his custom-made tables and benches — pieces that show off the grain, burls and whorls in a plank of wood. He left the “free edge,” or natural contour, of the slab un-planed, and reinforced fissures in the wood with “butterfly” joints. Almost all Nakashima seating pieces have smooth, milled edges. Nakashima also contracted with large-scale manufacturers to produce carefully supervised editions of his designs. Knoll has offered his Straight chair — a modern take on the spindle-backed Windsor chair — since 1946; the now-defunct firm Widdicomb-Mueller issued the Shaker-inspired Origins collection in the 1950s.

Nelson Rockefeller in 1973 gave Nakashima his single largest commission: a 200-piece suite for his suburban New York estate. Today, Nakashima furniture is collected by both the staid and the fashionable: his work sits in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as in the homes of Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Diane von Furstenberg and the late Steve Jobs.

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Creator: George Nakashima
Dealer: DeAngelis
George Nakashima "Origins" Tall Chest for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design tall chest or dresser for his "Origins" line produced 1959-1961 by Widdicomb. Rare model offering seven smooth operating drawers, the top two with dividers fo...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Oak, Walnut

George Nakashima Origins Headboard by Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design headboard for a king or queen sized bed for his Origins series by Widdicomb, 1959. Constructed of East Indian Laurel wood in the original Sundra finish, clean...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Elm

George Nakashima "Origins" Tall Chest
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima "Origins" tall chest for Widdicomb. Rare example with a figured burl door and drawers for every necescity rising on a splayed base, newly refinished and ready to install. Massive amounts of clothing storage...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Brass

George Nakashima Origins Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design dresser for his Origins line by Widdicomb, 1959. Dramatic wood grain figuring throughout the body of the case and trapezoidal shape top extending to 105"in. w...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Brass

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George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
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A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
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George Nakashima Cabinet
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Midcentury John Widdicomb Headboard King
By John Widdicomb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
John Widdicomb sculptural tall post king size bed headboard with tapered double spires, circa 1950. Frames show typical age-appropriate signs of use which we have tidied. Overall ...
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George Nakashima Triple Chest of Drawers in American Black Walnut & Laurel
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, triple chest of drawers or sideboard, American black walnut, Indian laurel, United States, 1964 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this chest of drawers is a testimony to George Nakashima's expert craftsmanship and distinctive methodology. This large cabinet was specially designed for a private client in 1964. The unit revolves around a linear and strict layout with sharp lines and angular shapes dominating the scenery. This is contrasted by the organic, free flowing edges of the wooden slab on top executed in Indian laurel. The interior consists of nine regular drawers and three smaller drawers. A subtle but defining detail of this cabinet are the recessed handles that, as it were, merge into the body, maintaining a sleek and minimalist front. The base is comprised of two horizontal slats inserted perpendicularly into the frames. Nakashima succeeded in creating a durable piece of furniture with a timeless aesthetic and impeccable quality made possible by his close relationship with nature. George Nakashima (1905-1990) was a well-known woodworker, architect and furniture designer from Japanese descendants. He was born in Spokane, Washington and enrolled in the University of Washington program in architecture. After his graduation in 1931, he decided to live his life as a bohemian in France. Afterwards, he spent some time in North Africa and eventually settled in Japan for some time. There, he started working for Antonin Raymond...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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George III Mahogany Chest on Chest
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality, George III Mahogany chest on chest, having a dentil moulded cornice, above four graduated drawers, each with brass plate handles, flanked by canted corner...
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Early 19th Century English George III Antique George Nakashima Furniture

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Mahogany

  • George III Mahogany Chest on Chest
  • George III Mahogany Chest on Chest
  • George III Mahogany Chest on Chest
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H 73.25 in W 43.5 in D 21 in
T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Dresser for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in New York, NY
Stylish and useful four-drawer dresser by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, produced by Widdicomb Furniture circa 1950's. Dark walnut frame with tapered brass legs and raffia caned pulls with ...
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Pair of George Nakashima Chest of Drawers in American Black Walnut
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Midcentury Studio Craft Handmade Tall Dresser Wardrobe Style of Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stunning Mid-Century Modern Studio Craft custom handmade tall 3 drawer dresser wardrobe style of Nakashima. Very clean all original 2 section Wardrobe - lower dresser with upper ward...
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John Widdicomb Tall Campaign Style Dresser
By John Widdicomb
Located in Pasadena, TX
A prime piece of furniture in burled elm veneer (over oak wood) by John Widdicomb. Dresser features Inset brass pulls in the "campaign" style allow for ease of use and style. Signed ...
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8 Drawer Double Dresser Designed by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
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Impressive eight drawer double dresser designed by Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb. The chest features two banks of four drawers, creating ample storage space. It is in very good, or...
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John Widdicomb French Provincial Louis XV Cherry Wood Upholstered King Headboard
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A gorgeous French Provincial Louis XV style king size headboard By John Widdicomb USA, 1950s Carved solid cherry wood, with blue and white upholstery. Measures: 79" W x 4...
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Previously Available Items
George Nakashima Origins Nightstands
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design nightstands for his Origins line by Widdicomb, 1959. Stunning figured walnut cases newly refinished and ready to install, labeled.
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Walnut

George Nakashima Origins Wall Mirror
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima origins mirror. Stunning, substantial wall mirror constructed of solid walnut. Sculpted beams elegantly extend beyond the mir...
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Mirror, Walnut

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H 43 in W 51 in D 4.5 in
George Nakashima "Origins" Lounge Chair
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design lounge chair for his "Origins" line for Widdicomb Furniture Co. Professionally cleaned and waxed while retaining all of the warmth and patina of the original ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • George Nakashima "Origins" Lounge Chair
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  • George Nakashima "Origins" Lounge Chair
H 33.5 in W 31.5 in L 33.5 in
George Nakashima Origins Wall Mirror
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima large and impressive black walnut wall mirror for his Origins line for Widdicomb. Sculpted Minimalist frame with original finish and glass, beautiful in its simplicity.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

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H 51.5 in W 43.5 in D 4.5 in
George Nakashima "Origins" Credenza for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design walnut credenza for his "Origins" line for Widdicomb, model 4024. Beautiful walnut with vibrant grain patterns throughout and his signature construction detai...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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George Nakashima Origins Credenza, Model 205
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design credenza, model 205 for his "Origins" line produced by Widdicomb. Fitted interiors comprise an adjustable shelf on the right and four drawers on the left. Per...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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George Nakashima M10 Coffee Table
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare early design from George Nakashima for Knoll, 1947. Made with solid birch planks trimmed in walnut with oak legs, refinished recently.
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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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H 16 in W 38 in D 34 in
George Nakashima Stool
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design walnut with original seagrass and in very good vintage condition.
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1960s American American Craftsman Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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H 13 in W 18 in D 16 in
George Nakashima Chest/Dresser
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
Available at DeAngelis a wonderful George Nakashima design chest or dresser from his "Origins" line for Widdicomb Furniture co.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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H 32 in W 36 in D 22 in
George Nakashima "New Chair"
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima "New Chair" Classic windsor style dining chair. Made from black walnut with hickory spindles in very good original condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

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H 36 in W 19 in D 20 in
George Nakashima Credenza
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early George Nakshima design sliding two door sea grass paneled credenza. Simplicity speaks the loudest with his signature highly figured walnut and dove tailed construction combined...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
H 24 in W 72 in D 14 in
George Nakashima Credenza
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design credenza/cabinet for his "Origins" line for Widdicomb Furniture company. Seldom seen example in figurative live edge walnut with burl elm tansu doors...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Furniture

Materials

Walnut

  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
  • George Nakashima Credenza
H 33 in W 72 in D 21.5 in

George Nakashima furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nakashima furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nakashima furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by George Nakashima were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright, Warren Platner, and Kipp Stewart. Prices for George Nakashima furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at £7,499 and can go as high as £64,463, while a piece like these, on average, fetch £28,154.
Questions About George Nakashima Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    George Nakashima is perhaps best known for developing the butterfly joint. This construction method involves connecting pieces with a third piece of wood shaped like a butterfly. The joint forms a strong, sturdy connection and stabilizes pieces to fight the effects of wood expansion. On 1stDibs, shop a range of George Nakashima furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To identify George Nakashima furniture, start by looking for the name of the original client written in black marker. He usually wrote the name on the underside of a piece of furniture. Order cards and shop drawings can also help authenticate his work. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted George Nakashima furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    No, George Nakashima didn’t usually sign the majority of his works. Instead, he normally added the name of the client to the timber selected to start the project. The writing usually appears in simple black marker. ​​On 1stDibs, find a variety of George Nakashima furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To address wood expansion, George Nakashima pioneered the butterfly joint. This technique uses a butterfly-shaped piece of wood as an anchor. When wood expands, the butterfly joint prevents the pieces from splitting apart. Butterfly joints are strong and increase the overall durability of his wood furniture. On 1stDibs, find a collection of George Nakashima.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.

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