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George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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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Material: Walnut
Creator: George Nakashima
George Nakashima, Slab Coffee Table, 1950s
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Early English and black American walnut coffee table by studio artist George Nakashima, ca 1950s, New Hope, PA. Expressive burl live edge and highly figural grain throughout. Orig...
Category

1950s American American Craftsman Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Free Edge 'Slab' Coffee Table in Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, free edge slab coffee table, English walnut, United States, circa 1960 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima proves with this quintessential table that he is a true master of his craft. The impressive coffee table, created custom for a private client around 1960, is designed to fully showcase the individual characteristics of the wooden slab on top. The organic, free flowing edges of the wood contribute to a dynamic and natural appearance of the design. This free-form character of the top contrast beautifully with the stark simplicity of the base, a typical trade of Nakashima. The asymmetrical composition contributes to the strength of the design and the high-visual quality. 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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Live Edge Coffee Table by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Phenomenal live edge coffee table by George Nakashima. circa 1960s with an organic walnut burl flow. Approximate overall dimensions: 58"W x 33.5"D x 13"H.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

1950s George Nakashima English Walnut Shark Tooth Live Free Edge Table Wepman
By George Nakashima
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Original unmolested finish. George Nakashima walnut studio table, accompanied by authentication paperwork from the Nakashima Foundation.
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Studio Coffee Table
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table from American mid-century craftsman George Nakashima. The table crafted of black walnut, c.1969 features a live edge table top geometric slab base with one tapered leg. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima, Minguren II Walnut Coffee Table, Signed and Dated 1984
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima, Minguren II Coffee Table in Persian walnut and American black walnut, featuring a single slab top with burl detail and bark pockets signed and dated to underside 'G...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Free Edge Slab Coffee Table in Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, free edge slab coffee table, walnut, United States, 1958 American woodworker and designer George Nakashima proves with this quintessential table that he is a true ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mira Nakashima Minguren II Coffee Table based on a design by G. Nakashima
By George Nakashima Woodworkers, George Nakashima
Located in Berlin, DE
Minguren II coffee table by Mira Nakashima based on a design by George Nakashima in black walnut. Due to the unique wood structure of each item the tab...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima, Freeform Coffee Table, English Walnut, Studio USA 1971
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
A unique and sizable coffee / cocktail table in the "sled-shape" style. Produced by Nakashima Studio, New Hope, Pennsylvania, United States. Dated 1971 Executed in English Walnut...
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1980s American Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima, Coffee Table, American Black Walnut, New Hope, USA, 1982
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
An American black walnut coffee table designed by George Nakashima and produced by Nakashima Studio, New Hope, Pennsylvania, United States, 1...
Category

1980s American Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Walnut Coffee Table, Two Side Drawers, “Origins Series", 1960's
By George Nakashima
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
A highly sought after coffee table by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, 1963. Beautiful condition, professionally restored. George Nakashima worked for Widdicomb, from the mid-1950s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Coffee Table Origins Model 272 Widdicomb, 1959
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
George Nakashima lift-top coffee table model 272 manufactured by Widdicomb in 1959 from his origins line. The underside of the drawer is stenciled Sundra model 272 dated 3/59. Widdic...
Category

1950s American Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

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George Nakashima, "Slab" Coffee Table, Oak Burl, Oak, New Hope, USA, 1962
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An oak burl and oak "Slab" coffee table designed and produced by George Nakashima, New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA, 1962. The top presents with a "butterfly joint" typical of Nakashima.
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George Nakashima Frenchman's Cove Dining Table in Walnut with Free Edge
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A black walnut Frenchman's Cove dining table with free edge dtd. 1964. Authentication and original paperwork included.
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Coffee Table by George Nakashima for his Origins Series for Widdicomb
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Live Edge Redwood Coffee Table
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Located in Atlanta, GA
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Live Edge Solid Elm Wood Coffee Table 1950s
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Live Edge Solid Elm Wood Coffee Table 1950s
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Midcentury Live Edge Coffee Table
By George Nakashima
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A fabulous are rare piece from the 50s Made in Honolulu, Hawaii at Harry’s Cabinet and Curio Shop. The shop was well known for making furniture and gift items with Monkey Pod wood...
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Midcentury Live Edge Coffee Table
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Large Nakashima Style Dark Stained Oak Live Edge Stool or Side Table
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George Nakashima Table
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Spectacular "Q" Table/Bench Created in 1964 by George Nakashima, Expressive Free edge Walnut and very long table for Nakashima Table Signed with a Roman Numeral iii on the underside...
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George Nakashima Table
George Nakashima Table
H 13.5 in W 96 in D 18 in
Organic Nakashima Style Live Edge Bowtie Slab Coffee Table, circa 1970
By George Nakashima
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Masterful creation from raw wood slab with bowtie joinery and 2 fat offset legs. An homage to George Nakashima to be sure. Gorgeous grain and gnarly edge. Pictures tell it best. It ...
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Live Edge Round Side Table, Modern Organic Blue Sputnik Table
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Located in Birmingham, AL
This live edge round side Table is an occasional table, a coffee table, or a side table. We call it the Sputnik table. It is certainly irregular and that’s why you’ll love it. The three metal legs attached to live edge piece timber evoke the futuristic styles of the 1950s, perfect for adding a pop of vintage / retro style along with modern, organic warmth. Place this whimsical wooden table in your living room and enjoy it as an organic modern coffee table or use multiples for end tables. They make great bedside tables or a unique element in a bathroom. The naturally occurring knots and fine cracks that you may see will not cause structural deficiencies as they are an organic aspect of the hardwood. We view these elements not as flaws, but as reminders of the tree from which each piece is born. Ships in a box with feet...
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Beautiful Three-Legged Massive Walnut Free Edge Coffee Table
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Previously Available Items
George Nakashima Coffee Table Origins Model 272 Widdicomb, 1959
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
George Nakashima lift-top coffee table model 272 manufactured by Widdicomb in 1959 from his origins line. The underside of the drawer is stenciled Sundra model 272 dated 3/59. Widdic...
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Materials

Brass

George Nakashima Studio Coffee Table
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table from American mid-century craftsman George Nakashima. The table crafted of black walnut, c.1969 features a live edge table top geometric slab base with one tapered leg. ...
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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George Nakashima Coffee Table
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Coffee Table Expressive wood Grain and fissures Cleaned and Re-Oiled original Surface.
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George Nakashima Coffee Table
George Nakashima Coffee Table
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George Nakashima; Single Slab American Walnut Coffee Table from 1957
By George Nakashima
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima Studio, 1957, American Black Walnut coffee table constructed with a single slab top featuring a natural split to one end stabilised in typical Nakashima fashion with 2 Rosewood butterfly keys...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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Walnut

George Nakashima Widdicomb “Sundra” Walnut Coffee Table
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A Mid Century Modern Sundra coffee table designed by Japanese-American architect, woodworker, and furniture maker George Nakashima (1905-1990) for Widdicomb Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Composed of walnut, the elongated and low-set biomorphic table features an organic shape. Three sections of walnut accompany a slightly angled adjoined edge that overhangs three tapered conical legs. The table is marked "Sundra" to the underside with the Widdicomb manufacturer tag affixed. George Nakashima earned a master's degree in architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

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George Nakashima Sundra Walnut Coffee Table for Widdicomb, 1959
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
George Nakashima Sundra walnut coffee table for Widdicomb, 1959. This table has been expertly restored.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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George Nakashima Greenrock Coffee Table, 1987
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Unique George Nakashima Greenrock coffee table with an expressive grain, single board top, and architectural base.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Coffee Table in Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nakashima coffee table in black walnut, solid live-edge top with exotic figured rinnge with solid turned legs.
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George Nakashima Model 200-84W Coffee Table for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A George Nakashima coffee table model 200-84W in walnut, carpathian elm and rosewood designed for Widdicomb.
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1950s Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut

George Nakashima Free Edge Slab Coffee Table in English Walnut 1950s
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Free Edge Slab Coffee Table in English walnut with rosewood butterfly by George Nakashima, American 1950's. Table features a single slab top with free edges, expressive figured grain, and one rosewood butterfly. A beautiful example of George Nakashima’s work. Reference: George Nakashima Full Circle by Derek E. Ostergard for the American Craft Museum of the Museum Craft Council, published in 1989, on pages 118 and 119 is a photo and description of a Slab Coffee Table. Provenance: Private Collection Boston. Purchased by this owner from Peter Roberts Antiques...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Walnut, Rosewood

Sundra Coffee Table by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
A beautifully restored burlwood 'Sundra' coffee table by George Nakashima. Makers mark on the underside. Excellent condition.
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Materials

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George Nakashima Minguren II Coffee Table
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large arrow shaped slab of black walnut on a Minguren II base 2 Butterfly Joints, free edges and Fissures Signed and dated. Clients name on underside. Copy of order card. Clea...
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George Nakashima coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.

George Nakashima coffee and cocktail tables 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 coffee and cocktail tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 18 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original coffee and cocktail tables by George Nakashima were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider coffee and cocktail tables by John Widdicomb, Henredon, and George Nelson. Prices for George Nakashima coffee and cocktail tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $10,400 and can go as high as $85,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $43,248.
Questions About George Nakashima Coffee and Cocktail Tables
  • 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
    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 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
    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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