Skip to main content

George Nakashima Cabinets

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 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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
3
2
5
4
5
4
1
2
1
1
5
4
1
1
1
4
2
5
5
5
59
81
74
72
68
Creator: George Nakashima
“Free Edge” Cabinet by George Nakashima, United States, 1955
By George Nakashima
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and exquisite example of George Katsutoshi Nakashima’s deep reverence for natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship, this “Free Edge” cabinet was specially commissioned in 1...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Cherry

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...
Category

1960s North American Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

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.  
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima, Kornblut Cabinet in American Black Walnut, 1972, New Hope USA
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima (1905-1990), Kornblut Cabinet in American Black Walnut, made at the Nakashima Studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA in 1972. This ra...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut, Burl

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 ...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Dyrlund Danish Rosewood Tambour Door Cabinet or Credenza Mid Century Modern
By Dyrlund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A striking Danish Modern rosewood cabinet or credenza circa late 1970s or early 1980s. Features rich rosewood color and dramatic and active grain. Tablet-like legs support a cabinet ...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Rosewood

Stylish French 1940s Sycamore 2-Door Cabinet with Pewter Mounts
Located in San Francisco, CA
Of striking form with concave sides fitted with 2-doors to reveal oak-lined drawers, adorned overall with pewter mounts and supports.
Category

1940s French Hollywood Regency Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Sycamore

Mid-Century Modern Mirror and Chrome Four Door Cabinet or Credenza
By Ello Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek minimalist cabinet by Ello Furniture circa 1970's. It features mirror polished chrome sides, mirrored doors, mirrored top, and tons of storage. Clean and ready to use.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Medical Cabinet by United Medical Fabricators
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage rolling medical cabinet by United Metal Fabricators. Featuring sleek steel construction, 10 drawers, molded plastic top, and oversized...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Nami Cabinet, 2 Door by DeMuro Das in Walnut and Solid Antique Bronze
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
Named after the Japanese word for wave, the Nami Collection showcases bronzework in the form of swelling surf. The two-door cabinet’s richly textured, push-to-open fronts were cast u...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

Original T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings Rectilinear Cabinet Credenza for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Miami, FL
Rare cabinet by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb. Signed with label on drawer. The doors have a rectilineal design achieved by the use of thin triangular molding. Classic propor...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Brass

American Designer, Wall Hanging Cabinet, Oak, Metal, United States, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and metal wall hanging cabinet designed and produced in the United States, 1960s.
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Metal

American Designer, Cabinet, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood cabinet designed and produced in the US, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 32.75” H x 33” W x 19.25” D
Category

1940s American Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Nami Cabinet, 4 Door by DeMuro Das in Walnut Burl and Solid Antique Bronze
By DeMuro Das
Located in New York, NY
Named after the Japanese word for wave, the Nami Collection showcases bronzework in the form of swelling surf. The four-door cabinet’s richly textured, push-to-open fronts were cast ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Bronze

'Taliesin' Model #2005 Special Cabinet by Frank Lloyd Wright, 1955, Signed
By Heritage-Henredon, Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeously refinished Honduran Mahogany 'Taliesin' Model #2005 Special Cabinet on Stand was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage-Henredon in 1955 and produced only for two years, therefore is now a highly sought-after and rare collectors item and this particular cabinet design being one of the most sought after of the entire collection. This example is signed with the red Taliesin symbol on the back along with its stamped model #2005. This rare Frank Lloyd Wright cabinet features the rare sought after architectural base with equally rare and sought after two door cabinet with concentric square designs on doors. Inside the cabinet is a removable shelf. The cabinet can be removed from the base as can be seen in the photos. Frank Lloyd Wright stated that one of his goals for this line was for the 'design to make the home more efficient as well as more beautiful'. Woven into each piece of this series was the chamfered wood edge with an abstracted Greek key motif, the signature detail of every Taliesin design, covering the edges of each item in the collection. All of the pieces were executed in Honduran Mahogany, a high-end luxury wood choice. His idea was to design ‘infinite adaptability to American living’, for example desks could double as dressing tables, small tables could be used as a chair or stool and bookcases had moveable tops transforming into room dividers. Decoration was limited to the greek key edges so that ‘is of the piece, not on it’ and the removal of elimination of any hardware door or drawer pulls in favor of cut out flush pulls which ‘catch light and shadow for interesting and changing patterns’. Wright pitched three separate concepts to Heritage Henredon: ‘Burberry’, ‘Honeycomb’ and ‘Four Square’ which was the one chosen to go into production and renamed ‘Taliesin’ after Wrights Wisconsin home. A distinguishing feature of the Taliesin line is that each piece is identified with a branded signature which was often accompanied by a red square. No other items from the rest of Wright's career is marked or identified which makes this line more desirable to collectors. This particular cabinet design recently broke auction records for its model - demonstrating the rarity and desirability of Frank Lloyd Wright's work along with the uniqueness of this cabinet design and demand from art and design collectors and investors, along with the interior design community. This beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright Taleisin cabinet would work great in a Craftsman, Farm House, Monterey, Spanish, Mission, Arts & Crafts, Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as a small blanket chest, a dry bar for liquor...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Dresser for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
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...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Large George Nakashima 12-Drawer Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
George Nakashima for Widdicomb's "Origins" Collection. Massive 12-drawer dresser in beautiful East Indian Laurel wood with brass pulls. Extremely heavy. Recently polished. Mino...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Hardwood

Previously Available Items
George Nakashima Three Door Wall Hanging Cabinet 1962
By George Nakashima
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Studio wall-mounted cabinet by woodworker George Nakashima, 1962. Executed in American Black Walnut with Pandanus cloth doors that reveal four drawers and shelves. Provenance and ori...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Sliding Door Cabinet by George Nakashima. American black walnut, oak, brass. This cabinet features an overhanging top with a long free-edge. 3 sliding doors with 2 side compartments ...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Brass

George Nakashima Cabinet
George Nakashima Cabinet
H 31.75 in W 105.5 in D 22.25 in
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Walnut and Cane Cabinet, Newly Restored
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern cabinet By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1961 Measures: 66"W x 11"D x 50"H. Newly ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Walnut

George Nakashima Free Edge Hanging Wall Case
By George Nakashima
Located in Lille, Hauts-de-France
A unique hanging wall case by George Nakashima made of American walnut, pandanus cloth with overhang right, grilled doors a free edge front Special order from Mr. & Mrs. A. Margulie...
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

George Nakashima for Widdicomb Sculpted Walnut and Cane Sideboard with Hutch
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional midcentury Organic Modern sideboard or bar cabinet with lighted hutch top By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furni...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Cane, Walnut

George Nakashima Four Door Pandamus Cabinet in Walnut and Teak
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a one of a kind cabinet and perhaps one of the largest case pieces done by George Nakashima. Commissioned in 1957, this cabinet is 10 feet wide, h...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Fabric, Teak, Walnut

George Nakashima Origins Dresser for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Walnut dresser by George Nakashima for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company Widdicomb, c.1960s for their "Origins" collection. The dresser features seven drawers down the left side and four petite drawers on the top right, all finished with brass pulls. The lower right corner of the dresser showcases a stunning burl wood grain cabinet...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Brass

George Nakashima for Widdicomb Dresser
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A large George Nakashima for Widdicomb dresser with beautifully grained East Indian Laurel and brass pulls.
Category

1950s Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima for Widdicomb Dresser
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Dresser
H 32.75 in W 21.5 in D 105.5 in
George Nakashima 'Sundra' Sideboard Cabinet for Widdicomb, 1960s, Signed
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous model-247 'Sundra' two-door demilune sideboard cabinet by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, circa 1960, features beautiful Walnut, Indian Laurel and Carpathian Elm Burl. ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Elm, Walnut, Burl

Sliding Door Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
American black walnut. Cabinet features dovetail joinery, 2 sliding doors concealing 4 drawers and 2 adjustable shelves. Cabinet floats on 2 wedge suppor...
Category

1960s American Modern Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Wall-Mounted Desk
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Amarillo, TX
George Nakashima Hanging wall mount desk Nakashima Studio, circa 1960s American black walnut Measures: 42 W × 20 D × 13 H inches Highly figured...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Wall-Mounted Desk
George Nakashima Wall-Mounted Desk
H 13 in W 42 in D 20 in
George Nakashima Free Edge Black Walnut Wall Mounted Cabinet, USA, 1960s
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet features single board plank top with free-edge atop case with two sliding doors concealing one shelf.
Category

1960s American Vintage George Nakashima Cabinets

Materials

Grasscloth, Walnut

George Nakashima cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nakashima cabinets 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 cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original cabinets by George Nakashima were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider cabinets by M. Singer & Sons, Parzinger Originals, and Charles and Ray Eames. Prices for George Nakashima cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $14,000 and can go as high as $160,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $45,000.
Questions About George Nakashima Cabinets
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All