Architect, designer, and writer George Nelson was a central figure in the mid-century American modernist design movement; and his thoughts influenced not only the furniture we live with, but also how we live.
Nelson came to design via journalism and literature. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Yale in 1931, he won the Prix de Rome fellowship, and spent his time in Europe writing magazine articles that helped bring stateside recognition to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Gio Ponti, Le Corbusier and other canonical modernist architects.
In the 1940s, Nelson wrote texts that suggested such now-commonplace ideas as open-plan houses, storage walls and family rooms. D.J. De Pree, the owner of the furniture maker Herman Miller, was so impressed by Nelson that in 1944 — following the sudden death of Gilbert Rohde, who had introduced the firm to modern design in the 1930s — he invited Nelson to join the company as its design director. There Nelson’s curatorial design talents came to the fore.
To Herman Miller he brought such eminent creators as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and the textile and furniture designer Alexander Girard. Thanks to a clever contract, at the same time as he directed Herman Miller he formed a New York design company, George Nelson & Associates, that sold furniture designs to the Michigan firm. Nelson's studio also sold designs for clocks to the Howard Miller Clock Company, a manufacturer that was initially part of Herman Miller before it became an offshoot that was helmed by Howard Miller, D.J. De Pree's brother-in-law.
Nelson’s New York team of designers (who were rarely individually credited) would create such iconic pieces as the Marshmallow sofa, the Coconut chair, the Ball clock, the Bubble lamp series and the many cabinets and beds that comprise the sleek Thin-Edge line.
For dedicated collectors, as well as for interior designers who look beyond “the look,” there is a “cool factor” inherent to vintage pieces from George Nelson and others. Nelson was in on it from the start, and it’s valuable to have a piece that was there with him.
But still, as is evident from the offerings from dealers on 1stDibs, in any of the designs, in any iteration whose manufacture Nelson oversaw and encouraged, there are shining elements of lightness, elegance, sophistication — and a little bit of swagger. George Nelson felt confident in his ideas about design and didn’t mind letting the world know.
Thin Edge Jewelry Chest by George Nelson 1954, Original, Rosewood, Teak, Signed
By George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare early George Nelson for Herman Miller nine drawer jewelry / miniature cabinet in rosewood and teak with porcelain pulls. Completely original, never refinished very good conditio...
Porcelain, Rosewood, Teak
George Nelson Miniature /Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rosewood,Enameled aluminum and porcelain An early example of this form,model # 5215 Base is original to the cabinet Disc Manufacturer's label.
Rosewood
Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...
Metal, Brass
Agresti Oro Jewelry Chest
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Lockable jewelry chest with 5 drawers, two pullout / pull-out necklace bars, and lined in ultra-suede. Accessories in 24 karats gold plated brass...
Brass
Venetian Renaissance Jewelry Chest
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rare Venetian 16th century Italian traveling jewelry chest profusely decorated in Arabesque black and gilt decoration featuring rare specimen stone drawer fronts in a Palladian archi...
Wood
19th Century Miniature Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in High Point, NC
19th century miniature mahogany chest of drawers from England. This was most likely a very fine salesman's sample. In the 18th and 19th centuries, craftsmen would carry these small...
Bone, Mahogany
19th Century French Miniature Jewelry Chest of Drawers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This antique wood storage or jewelry box features three drawers with a flip up top with mirror. The box has has lots of character, charm and patina including the brass hardware.
Brass, Bronze
$2,557 / item
H 13.75 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Stacked Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The irregular stacked jewelry chest in cream shagreen by R&Y Augousti is a stunning geometric piece to store your personal items. This piece has 4 drawer compartments that have black velvet trays...
Shagreen Stingray
Bijoux Jewelry Chest in Briar and Mahogany
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry chest in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultrasuede lining, 24 karats gold plated brass accessories. With necklace bars, lockable doors and 6 drawers. Adjustable mirror on ...
Suede, Mahogany
Miniature Bow Fronted Chest, c1830
Located in valatie, NY
This handsome little oak chest has many of the same details of its larger counterparts. The bow fronted conforming top sits on three bowed drawers all with original brass pulls and e...
Oak
Tomlinson Sophisticate 6 Drawer Jewelry Chest
By Tomlinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tomlinson Sophisticate Burled Walnut 6 Drawer Jewelry Cabinet. Very nice original condition with felt lined drawers. Small Brass pulls finish off the Sophisticated Look!
Walnut, Burl
George III Burr Yew Tea Chest
Located in Northampton, GB
Lined with Red Velvet Circa 1790 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian Burr Yew Wood Tea Chest. The Tea Chest of rectangular form featuring quadrant B...
Cut Glass, Yew
Miniature Chest by Arthur Umanoff in Walnut
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful miniature chest by Arthur Umanoff in figured walnut.
Brass
Rhomboid Jewelry Chest in Cream Shagreen by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Rhomboid jewelry chest in cream shagreen by R&Y Augousti is a stunning geometric piece to store your personal items. This piece has 3 drawer compartments and a flap top opening that have black velvet...
Shagreen Stingray
1950s Chinese Rosewood & Brass Rectangular Jewelry Box
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer this elegant Chinese hardwood box, circa 1950s. Beautifully crafted in rosewood, this piece features a rich warm wood tone with traditional joinery and a...
Brass
George III Mahogany Miniature Bowfront Chest
Located in Essex, MA
With two drawers over two drawers, splayed feet.
Mahogany
Studio Free Edge Burl Wood Jewelry, Trinket or Decorative Box
By Wharton Esherick, George Nakashima, Sam Maloof
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Studio Free Edge Burl Wood Jewelry, Trinket or Decorative Box In the manner of Esherick, Nakashima or Maloof, a 1960s lidded, carved and polished burl wood jewelry, decorative or tri...
Burl
Sold
H 32.29 in W 20.48 in D 14.18 in
Original George Nelson Schmuckkästchen Modell 5211 Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten eine wunderschöne und äußerst seltene Schmuckkommode von Herman Miller Collection aus dem Jahr 1966 zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson und ist bekannt un...
Metal
Sold
H 32 in W 20.25 in D 13.5 in
Early George Nelson Thin Edge Jewelry Chest Model 5211 for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Early, original George Nelson teak wood thin-edge Jewelry chest model number 5211 for Herman Miller. Signed inside top drawer with original silver Herman Miller Medallion. The case m...
Steel
George Nelson Miniature Jewelry Chest for Herman Miller Model #5211
By George Nelson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Nelson miniature jewelry chest for Herman Miller on swag stand model 5211. This version is in teak on all sides with cream lacqu...
Aluminum
Rare George Nelson Rosewood Porcelain Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Rare and early George Nelson for Herman Miller jewelry chest, circa early 1950s. This seldom seen example has rosewood drawer fronts, walnu...
Sold
H 23.38 in W 10.38 in D 13 in
Rare Rosewood and Teak George Nelson, Thin Edge Nine-Drawer Jewelry Chest, 1954
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Kansas City, MO
In amazing original condition, this George Nelson for Herman Miller thin edge jewelry cabinet has rosewood drawers, teak case and porcelain pulls. Acquired from the original owner wh...
Porcelain, Rosewood, Teak
George Nelson Miniature Jewelry Chest
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson for Herman Miller, miniature cabinet, model 5212. Fine original example.
Brass
George Nelson Miniature Jewelry Chest
By George Nelson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nice original example retaining the early all porcelain pulls and brass tab feet.
Porcelain, Rosewood, Teak
mid century 10 drawer jewelry box
By George Nelson
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
dresser top jewelry case in the manner of george nelson. walnut veneer with aluminum slider pulls, removable drawers. restored.
Aluminum
George Nelson Jewelry Cabinet For Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, George Nelson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very nice George Nelson designed jewelry chest for Herman Miller. 4 drawers and one large door . Stands on tiny rubber feet. Original marbleized paper interior. Note: Th...
Metal
