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.
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio Double Chest of Drawers in Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima, chest of drawers, walnut, United States, 1967 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this commode is testimony to Geo...
Walnut
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969 With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this doub...
Hickory, Walnut
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth yes
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, sideboard, American black walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1983. With its sturdy form, thoughtful material choices, and refined ...
Walnut
George Nakashima Wall-Mounted Sideboard in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth
By George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, sliding-door wall-mounted cabinet, American black walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1963 This wall mounted sliding door cabinet is a striking example of Georg...
Walnut
George Nakashima Dressing Table, Vanity, Origins, Widdicomb - Mueller, 1957
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Culver City, CA
People might see this piece and think: “oh, cute… a little dressing table," but this is an extremely rare masterclass in design. This is a rare George Nakashima Origins dressing tab...
Wood
George Nakashima Walnut Credenza, Modern Design, United States, 1978
By George Nakashima
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990), American Walnut Credenza, 1978, with two pandanus cloth lined sliding doors opening to single shelf on four turned wood legs, with original dr...
Walnut
Hanging Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
This rare and unique walnut hanging cabinet by George Nakashima is a beautiful and functional piece of modern furniture with sliding doors. The cabinet features an overhang top with one free edge above two doors that conceal one adjustable shelf. Crafted from high-quality American black walnut wood, this cabinet has been fully restored at the Nakashima workshop...
Walnut
George Nakashima Turned Wood Dowel Shape Leg Single Pedestal Small Desk Mint
By George Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima turned wood dowel shape leg single pedestal small desk mint with documents.
Walnut
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
Walnut Sideboard with Top Shelf by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in Atlanta, GA
A two-piece custom sideboard pr credenza handcrafted by George Nakashima, circa 1969 in his new hope studio. It is constructed with American black walnut with solid oak interiors. Th...
Walnut, Oak
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By George Nakashima, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Walnut, Burl
George Nakashima 6 Foot Free Edge Corner Counter Shelf or Console, Signed, 1971
By George Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A corner-mounted counter shelf or floating console table by George Nakashima comprising a single slab in American black walnut with two free edges, signe...
Walnut
Hanging Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
This rare and unique walnut hanging cabinet by George Nakashima is a beautiful and functional piece of modern furniture with sliding doors. The cabinet features an overhang top with one free edge above two doors that conceal one adjustable shelf. Crafted from high-quality American black walnut wood, this cabinet has been fully restored at the Nakashima workshop...
Walnut
Exceptional George Nakashima Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are thrilled to present this fantastic George Nakashima Dresser. Manufactured for Widdicomb's "Origins" Collection in the 1950s. This is a large 12-drawer dresser in beautiful E...
Hardwood
Free Edge George Nakashima 2-Door Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early cabinet consisting of 2 sliding doors concealing 4 drawers and a shelf. George Nakshima sliding door cabinet Open shelf on 1 side, 4 drawers...
Walnut
George Nakashima 8 Drawer Cherry Chest, Mid-Century
By George Nakashima
Located in Toledo, OH
Studio crafted chest by George Nakashima (1905-1990). This cherry chest features a 3 plank top with expressive grain and sap grain detail above 8 drawers. Beautifully dovetailed case...
Cherry
George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Gentleman's Chest for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1960 Gorgeous sc...
Brass
George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Dresser for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1961...
Brass
12 Drawer George Nakashima Dresser Origins Widdicomb 1959
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Camden, ME
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Origins Line Twelve-Drawer Dresser United States, 1959 A twelve-drawer dresser designed by George Nakashima for the Origins line produced by Widdicomb...
Brass
George Nakashima black american walnut chest of drawers 1955
By George Nakashima
Located in Paris, IDF
This dresser crafted from American black walnut is a stunning testament to George Nakashima's craftsmanship. Created upon the request of a private client in 1955, the angular shapes ...
Walnut
George Nakashima Widdicomb Model 205 MCM Walnut and Carpathian Elm Sideboard
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Model 205 Mid Century Walnut and Carpathian Elm Sideboard Credenza This credenza measures: 84 wide x 22 deep x 32.25 inches high Great Vintage Condit...
Elm, Walnut
George Nakashima "Origins" dresser for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Coronado, CA
This seldom seen single dresser was designed in 1958 by George Nakashima for American furniture company Widdicomb. By the time the mid 1950s arrived Nakashima had already produced on...
Bronze
George Nakashima Walnut Sideboard, 1961
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut sideboard 60" in width, straight edge top, wood doors, sub sap streak top and sides, 4 drawers on left and shelves on right. Documentation included.
Walnut
George Nakashima Free Form Edge Walnut Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, 1959
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
George Nakashima Free Form Edge Walnut Eight-Drawer Double Dresser, 1959. Dresser is completely original with copy of original receipt dated 1959. The dresser is unsigned but it was ...
Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut and Brass Monumental Cabinet for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
A very rare Monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection, USA, 1950s. Made with sculpted walnut, with original ...
Brass
1954 George Nakashima Studio Triple Sliding Door Cabinet / Credenza Black Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 1954 George Nakashima Studio triple sliding door cabinet /credenza in American black walnut. This is an early piece, representing a number of refined ea...
Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut Hanging Cabinet, 1978
By George Nakashima
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1909-1990) Walnut Wall-Hanging Cabinet, 1978, with two sliding doors opening to shelves, with original drawing. 20" H x 30" W x 12" D. Provenance: Commi...
Walnut
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...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Dark Walnut Credenza, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A very handsome credenza or sideboard executed in dark walnut, completely restored, circa 1950-1950. It features three sliding doors with cane details and brass sabots, each door ope...
Brass
George III Mahogany Vanity Stand
Located in Worcester, GB
George III Mahogany Vanity Stand Early 19th Century, English An elegant and finely crafted George III mahogany vanity stand dating from the early 19th...
Mahogany
$29,000
H 32 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
Bouclé, Walnut
$634Sale Price|20% Off
H 40.16 in W 60.24 in D 10.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sliding Glass Door Bookcase Cabinet Robert Heritage
By Robert Heritage
Located in Leicester, GB
We can ship directly to you - please contact us with your country & postcode for an accurate delivery price. Shipping to the US £450 in a custom made crate A beautiful long slim gla...
Hardwood
English George I Walnut Chest of Drawers, 18th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Classic traditional English George I period chest of drawers with solid walnut sides and highly figural walnut veneers on the drawer fronts and top surface. Having very old if not or...
Brass
Louis Philippe Sideboard In Walnut
Located in Beaune, FR
Louis Philippe style sideboard in solid walnut opening with 4 doors and 2 drawers. Good condition and beautiful original patina. Dimensions Height 1m10 Width 1m94 Depth 67cm
Walnut
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane
By Craft Associates, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane The CraftAssociates Credenza, Peabody Modern Walnut Credenza, Cane is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates®. This cabinet is built with a solid oak frame, door fronts, interior shelf and legs. It features beautiful cane front door that have slide left to right covering an adjustable shelf. This cabinet is amazing and has perfect proportions to be used in multiple settings. It is available in custom wood and variations (different sizes). Craft Associates® Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle chair...
Cane, Oak
George Nakashima Inspired Walnut Free Edge Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Hand Made Walnut Free Edge Cabinet, in the style of George Nakashima, American, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a stereo or record cabinet, credenza, ch...
Wood, Walnut
George Nakashima black american walnut chest of drawers 1955
By George Nakashima
Located in Paris, IDF
This dresser crafted from American black walnut is a stunning testament to George Nakashima's craftsmanship. Created upon the request of a private client in 1955, the angular shapes ...
Walnut
Modern Credenza in Walnut by Laura Trenchard
By Craft Associates, Laura Trenchard
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Modern Credenza - 1607 - Craft Associates® Furniture is expertly crafted. The base is constructed by hand from hard wood and not machine. The walnut is then shaped by artisans and fi...
Walnut
$3,456
H 37.8 in W 59.06 in D 16.93 in
French Modernist Sideboard in Oak and Raffia, 1950s, Two Sliding Doors
By Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Elegant French modernist sideboard from the 1950s, crafted in oak and oak veneer, embodying the restrained sophistication of postwar French design. Clean architectural lines are soft...
Raffia, Oak
Antique George I Quality Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George I quality walnut chest of drawers having a quality walnut rectangular top with a moulded edge above two short and three long walnut crossbanded drawers with attractive...
Walnut
George Nakashima Studio Craft 8 Drawer Dresser in American Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in San Diego, CA
A true heirloom of American Studio Craft, this George Nakashima solid walnut dresser embodies everything collectors cherish about Nakashima’s work: honesty of materials, quiet master...
Walnut
George Nakashima Studio Craft 8 Drawer Dresser
By George Nakashima
Located in San Diego, CA
A true heirloom of American Studio Craft, this George Nakashima solid walnut dresser embodies everything collectors cherish about Nakashima’s work: honesty of materials, quiet master...
Walnut
Sold
H 49.25 in W 56 in D 22 in
George Nakashima East Indian Laurel Wood Gentleman's Chest for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1959 Gorgeous ex...
Brass
George Nakashima Triple-Door Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima triple sliding door cabinet, made in walnut, United States, 1963. Cabinet with three sliding doors and four drawers behind each door, executed in walnut with tradi...
Walnut
George Nakashima Wall-Mounted Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Cabinet, in walnut, oak and pandanus, by George Nakashima, United States 1960s. Exceptional cabinet by master woodworker George Nakashima. This wall-mounted case has two spindle sliding doors with pandanus cloth. The cabinet shows the great craftsmanship of Nakashima. Especially visible in the hand-cut dovetail joints. Signed with the client's name on the back of the cabinet. Dovetail are one the most difficult joints in woodworking and require great skills. The Nakashima shop has maintained this time-consuming procedure both as a measure of excellence and a kind of spiritual training for the workmen. George Katsutoshi Nakashima (1905-1990) was an American woodworker, architect and furniture designer. He was the founder of the American Craft Movement and played an important role in 20th century furniture design. From the 1940s on Nakashima started to make and design furniture. His work is characterized by organic and natural shapes of wood and an outrageous quality in woodworking. He used traditional Japanese handtools and difficult joinery techniques like dovetailjoints. His signature pieces are the slab tables, which have a smooth surface and unfinished natural edges. The Nakashima workshop...
Oak, Walnut
Sold
H 31.89 in W 72.05 in D 20.08 in
George Nakashima, Double Chest of Drawers, American Black Walnut, 1955
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
GEORGE NAKASHIMA (1905-1990) Double Chest of Drawers Nakashima Studio, USA, 1955 American black walnut fitted with eight drawers 81cm high, 183cm wide, 51cm deep Accompanied by a di...
Walnut
George Nakashima 2 Door Grill Front Pandanus Cloth Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima 2 Door Grill Front Cabinet American Black Walnut 2 original shelves Clients name on back of the cabinet copy of studio order card
Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut Two Pedestal Desk, 1961
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Hamburg, PA
A George Nakashima black walnut Double Pedestal Desk. The desk was first made in 1955, this one was crafted in 1961. The desk maintains its original client's names on the underside....
Walnut
Sold
H 32 in W 60 in D 20 in
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Sap Walnut, Rare Dresser, USA, 1958
By George Nakashima
Located in Stamford, CT
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Double Chest of Drawers, Sap Walnut, c. 1958 Double chest of drawers designed by George Nakashima for Nakashima Studios circa 1958. This e...
Walnut
Six Drawer Dresser George Nakashima Origins Widdicomb 1962
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
Vintage George Nakashima six drawer dresser for the Widdicomb Orgins Line (1958-1963) in walnut wood with oil finish. The angled asymmetric on...
Walnut
Sold
H 32.25 in W 105.5 in D 22 in
George Nakashima Monumental Sculpted East Indian Laurel Wood Dresser
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, Circ...
Brass
Sold
H 34.25 in W 48 in D 15 in
George Nakashima East Indian Laurel Wood Bookcase or Hutch for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern bookcase cabinet or hutch By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, Circa 1960 Gorgeous sculpted East I...
Brass