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 of chairs, coffee tables and other pieces. 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. (Master craftsperson Mira Nakashima keeps her father’s legacy alive at the George Nakashima Studio in New Hope today. She has been the artistic director of George Nakashima Woodworkers since her father's death, in 1990.)
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, the result of a merger between Widdicomb and Mueller Furniture, 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.
Find vintage George Nakashima furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Vintage Mid Century "Straight Chair" by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima, Knoll
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a beautiful, early "Straight Chair" by George Nakashima. "Introduced in 1946, the Straight Chair is George Nakashima’s modernist interpretation of the traditional Windsor ch...
Birch
Pair Mira Nakashima Conoid Lounge Chairs After George Nakashima, 2000
By George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair Mira Nakashima conoid lounge chairs after George Nakashima 2000.
Walnut
1949 George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Chair in Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an N19 Straight Chair, originally designed by George Nakashima in 1946. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the United States and dates to the year 1949. The cha...
Walnut
George Nakashima N19 Side Chair for Knoll, Walnut, Mid-Century Modern
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by master craftsman George Nakashima for Knoll in 1946, the N19 chair was intended as a mass-produced counterpoint to the Nakashima Studio’s popular “Straight Chair...
Walnut
1947 Pair of George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Chairs in Natural Birch
By George Nakashima, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous pair of early George Nakashima for Knoll N19 birch straight chairs, produced by Knoll Associates. This chair appears to be natural birch. It shows some ...
Birch
C. 1949 George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Dining Chair in Birch
By George Nakashima, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a N19 Straight-Back Chair, originally designed by George Nakashima for Knoll in 1946. This particular example dates to 1949. The Straight-Back Chair was Nakashima's modern, m...
Birch
Donald Knorr Chair for Knoll Associates, 1948
By Knoll, Donald Knorr
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration to of six Knorr chairs. Comprised of sheet metal bolted to steel rod legs. This chair is exceptionally rare (a set of six in simply unheard of) Model #132 cha...
Metal
$72,000 / set
H 36.03 in W 18.71 in D 22.05 in
George Nakashima Set of Six 'New' Dining Chairs in Walnut and Hickory
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, set of six ‘New’ dining chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1976 and 1977 With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and re...
Hickory, Walnut
$48,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 33.5 in W 34 in D 34.5 in
George Nakashima Conoid Lounge Chairs, Walnut & Hickory, 1980s
By Sakura Seisakusho, George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
Experience timeless elegance with this beautiful pair of Conoid Lounge chairs by George Nakashima, crafted by the only authorized manufacturer of Nakashima furniture outside of the United States, Sakura Seisakusho in Takamatsu, Japan...
Upholstery, Hickory, Walnut
$4,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 27 in
Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Scoop Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin scoop lounge chairs.
Chrome
George Nakashima Studio Conoid Bench Signed Mira Nakashima, 1992
By George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
George Nakashima Studio Conoid bench signed Mira Nakashima 1992. The bench is walnut has hickory spindles and rosewood butterfly joints. This bench was commissioned for a private col...
Hickory, Walnut
George Nakashima Set of Four 'Conoid' Chairs in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, set of four 'Conoid' chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1962 This stunning set of four Conoid dining chairs are designed by woodwork mast...
Hickory, Walnut
Sold|$2,021
H 30.25 in W 21 in D 20.5 in
Set of 6 Harry Bertoia for Knoll International Black Wire Dining Chairs, 1970s
By Knoll, Harry Bertoia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six wire dining chairs, designed by Harry Bertoia for Knoll, represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs of mid-century modern furniture. Introduced in the ear...
Metal
Set of Six George Nakashima Dining Chairs for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six dining chairs by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s. The walnut and hickory set consists of four side chairs and two armchairs. T...
Walnut, Hickory
$4,550
H 27.96 in W 20.48 in D 19.3 in
George Nakashima Grass-seated Chair / Authentic Mid-Century Modern
By George Nakashima
Located in Zürich, CH
Here we see the principle of the Japanese wabi-sabi, which refers to embracing imperfections and underlining impermanence. Rustic aspects, simplicity, modesty, and austerity offer a ...
Grasscloth, Mahogany
$10,500
H 35.44 in W 20.87 in D 21.86 in
Vintage Wooden “Conoid” Chair, George Nakashima, Japan, 1980s
By George Nakashima
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A wooden Conoid chair designed by George Nakashima, dating to the 1980s. Featuring a distinctive cantilevered seat, slender spindle backrest, and sculptural sled-style legs, the chai...
Wood
$8,000 / set
H 32 in W 22 in D 19 in
Set of Four Rare Early Production Eero Saarinen for Knoll Dining Chairs
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the put me in a museum collection. Out of long long term storage. The Earliest production set of four Eero Saarinen for HG Knoll executive chairs I have ever seen. All four on f...
Aluminum, Steel
Giuseppe Scapinelli Lounge Chair
By Giuseppe Scapinelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Giuseppe Scapinelli lounge chair Brazil, circa 1960’s Sculptural piece with architectural details Ebonized lacquered wood frame Newly upholstered cushions in a rich charcoal bouclé.
Wood
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
George Nakashima Captain's Chair
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Captain's Chair Beautiful original Dark Surface wonderful spline details Clients name to underside of the chair
Walnut
$25,200Sale Price / set|21% Off
H 37.5 in W 25 in D 24 in
Robert Venturi Post-Modern 'Chippendale' Chairs for Knoll International, c. 1985
By Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, Robert Venturi, Knoll
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and sought after set of collectors chairs is called the 'Chippendale' chair by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown for Knoll International, circa 1985 featuring a black c...
Leather, Laminate, Plywood
1949 George Nakashima for Knoll N19 Straight Chair in Walnut
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an N19 Straight Chair, designed by George Nakashima for Knoll Associates in 1946. This is an early example, dating to 1949. The 'Straight Chair' was Nakashima's modern, minim...
Walnut
Set of Grass Seated Chairs and Stool by George Nakashima, Circa 1960s
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in San Diego, CA
Grass-seated circa 1960s production in black walnut by George Nakashima with original seagrass seats. Also priced individually in other listings. Price is for the two chairs and stoo...
Seagrass, Walnut
George Nakashima Black Walnut Captain Chair
By George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Captain chair from American midcentury craftsman George Nakashima. The black walnut chair has a curved, peaked backrest atop carved spindles, inspired by the Windsor chair and Shaker...
Walnut
George Nakashima Studio Grass Seated Chair
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grass-seated chair from circa 1950s production in black walnut by George Nakashima for Nakashima Studios with original seagrass seat. Dimensions 24" width x 19" depth x 27.5" height...
Walnut, Seagrass
George Nakashima Model 206 Side Chair for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare model 206 dining / desk side chair designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb. A matching set of four available separately.
Walnut
Set of Six George Nakashima Dining Chairs for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dining chairs by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s for their "Origins" collection. The chairs, referred to as the "New" chairs featu...
Hickory, Walnut
Early Black Walnut 'Mira Chair' by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Utrecht, NL
Named after his daughter, the Mira Chair was originally designed by George Nakashima - architect, designer and master cabinetmaker - around 1950. The chair has a triangular seat whi...
Walnut
Sold
H 39.5 in W 25.5 in D 26 in
George Nakashima, Armchair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
An arm chair / side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffe...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 39.5 in W 25.5 in D 26 in
George Nakashima, Armchair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
An arm chair / side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffe...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 26.5 in
George Nakashima, Side Chair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffed seat reupho...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 26.5 in
George Nakashima, Side Chair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffed seat reupho...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 26.5 in
George Nakashima, Side Chair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffed seat reupho...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in
George Nakashima, Side Chair, White Bouclé, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A side chair, designed by George Nakashima, produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, America, 1960s. Features finely turned walnut, overstuffed seat reupho...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 34.26 in W 21.66 in D 16.54 in
Pair of Nakashima Studio Mira Nakashima Mira Bar Stools in Walnut, US, 2021
By George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Nakashima Studio Mira Nakashima Mira bar stools in walnut, US 2021 The chairs are in black walnut and signed.
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 29.88 in W 21.63 in D 18.25 in
George Nakashima for Knoll Walnut and Hickory Windsor Straight Chair
By Knoll, George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mid-Century Modern Windsor side chair By George Nakashima for Knoll USA, 1948-2008 American walnut frame, with contrasting hickory spindles. Measures: 21.6...
Hickory, Walnut