For nearly two decades, Mira Nakashima worked in the shadow of her legendary father, master woodworker George Nakashima. She never intended to follow in his footsteps, but she was persuaded to join him in his woodworking business after earning a graduate degree in architecture from Tokyo’s Waseda University.
“My father was an architect who went to Harvard, didn’t like it and switched to MIT,” Nakashima explains.
“I went to Harvard and loved it. He encouraged me to study architecture, so I did. I would rather have studied music. I was in a dance group and a choral group. After college, my godmother took me on a tour of Zen monasteries in Japan. I went to live there with an aunt to master Japanese, flower arranging and the tea ceremony. Then I went to Waseda University, learning architecture by the atelier system, where you actually build things. I married a fellow student and we began having children. After we moved to Pittsburgh and had more babies, my father asked me if I wanted to come ‘home,’ promising to build us a house near him. My husband liked the idea, so we went. I began to do part-time work for my father. It was just a job. Then my husband and I parted, so I went to work with Dad. It was never planned.”
That part-time position turned into a full-time job, and when George Nakashima died, in 1990, Mira was faced with a choice: continue the family legacy or shutter the business. As news of her father’s death spread, clients started canceling orders, fearing that the studio’s innovation would wane without him at the helm.
Skeptics proved wrong. Mira Nakashima continued to execute her father’s iconic designs — such as his Conoid chair — while also creating new ones of her own that take advantage of and highlight the unique characteristics and allure of her, and her father’s, favored material.
“Keisho means ‘continuation’ in Japanese,” she says. “I am just as interested in traditional lines, classic proportions and fine wood specimens, but I work out my designs differently. The boards tell you what they want to reveal.”
Shop authentic Mira Nakashima tables, case pieces and more on 1stDibs.
Mira Nakashima 'Conoid' Walnut Desk Signed
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This custom made Conoid desk by the Nakashima factory is an exquisite example of George Nakashima's brilliance of natural wood design for modern home use. The top is a single slab of...
Walnut
Nakashima Studio Craft Minguren I Coffee Table in English Walnut & Black Walnut
By George Nakashima Woodworkers, Mira Nakashima
Located in San Diego, CA
This exceptional Mira Nakashima “Minguren I” Coffee Table represents the enduring legacy of Nakashima Studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania — a direct continuation of the celebrated Studi...
Walnut
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mira Nakashima Conoid Slab Cocktail Table in Black Walnut & Rosewood
By Mira Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
Introducing the Mira Nakashima Conoid Slab Cocktail Table in Black Walnut and Rosewood, a true testament to mid-century modern craftsmanship. Thi...
Rosewood, Walnut
Mid Century Dining Set Poul Kjaerholm PK54 Table & Mira Nakashima Chairs, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, Mira Nakashima, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
An assembled Mid-Century dining set including a Danish dining table designed by Poul Kjærholm and a set of American dining chairs made by Mira Nakashima. The iconic round PK54 table ...
Marble, Steel
Mira Nakashima Occasional Table, Olive Wood & Cherry, Organic Modern, 2011
By Mira Nakashima
Located in Portland, OR
A rare material to find in any Nakashima works, this tripod or “Wepman” table was made in Olive wood with Cherry legs by Mira in 2011. Signature on bottom. Excellent condition; singl...
Olive, Cherry
Solid Mango Wood Round Side Table Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This round side table is crafted from beautiful mango wood, showcasing the natural grain and texture of the wood. The table has a unique burnt finish that enhances the deep tones of ...
Wood, Fruitwood
Walnut Art Deco Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Outlined in a sleek, stepped motif, this exquisite piece is finished in a rich figured walnut, exuding warmth and sophistication. The streamlined form, tapered legs, and metal-capped...
Wood
$65,000
H 15.25 in W 69.5 in D 31 in
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...
Walnut
$58,500
H 14.25 in W 66.75 in D 28 in
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...
Walnut
George Nakashima English Walnut Conoid Coffee Table
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table from American mid-century craftsman George Nakashima. The table crafted of english walnut, c.1971 features a live edge slab table top with single spindle support and liv...
Walnut
$39,731
H 27.17 in W 55.12 in D 55.12 in
Poul Kjærholm Pk 54 Dining Table With Cipollini Marble For E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare dining table, model PK54, designed by Poul Kjærholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen in the 1960s. The table is made with a solid round cipollini marble top, supported by a s...
Marble, Steel
$34,191Sale Price|25% Off
H 25.4 in Dm 55.12 in
Table PK54 designed by Poul Kjaerholm manufactured by da E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Firenze, FI
Round dining table designed by Poul Kjaerholm, model PK54, produced by E. Kold Christensen (Denmark 1963). White marble top with gray veins, chrome-plated steel base with the manufac...
Marble, Steel
$134,000
H 14.97 in W 61.82 in D 20.08 in
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut Slab Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1962
By George Nakashima
Located in Astoria, NY
George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990) American Walnut Slab Top Coffee Table, 1962, on four turned wood legs. 17" H x 46" W x 24" D. Provenance: Purchased from the artist, 1962. Fr...
Walnut
George Nakashima Studio Minguren II Coffee Table
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coffee table from American mid-century craftsman George Nakashima. The table crafted of black walnut, c.1988 features a live edge slab table top with single spindle support and live ...
Walnut
$95,000
H 28.75 in W 59.85 in D 59.85 in
George Nakashima Round Turned-Leg Dining Table in American Black Walnut 152cm
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, round turned-leg dining table, American black walnut, United States 1965 Crafted in 1965, this round dining table by George Nakashima s...
Walnut
Solid Mango Wood Round Side Table Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural round side table with an engraved ribbed design on its sides. Its neutral pigments make it perfect for any space. A uniquely sculptural and versatile piece c...
Wood, Fruitwood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 59.85 in D 37.8 in
Mira Nakashima, Minguren Desk, in walnut & rosewood, signed & dated 2008
By George Nakashima Woodworkers, Mira Nakashima
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Large desk in American black walnut by Mira Nakashima, the single slab top with live edges, sap-grain detail, three rosewood butterflies, and one drawer concealing divided storage. ...
Rosewood, Walnut
Mira Nakashima Live Edge Coffee Table
By Mira Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Live Edge Coffee Table by Mira Nakashima, in black walnut with dramatic variation in the grain, knot details and three rosewood butterflies. ...
Rosewood, Walnut
Nakashima Studios "R" Bench/ Coffee Table
By Mira Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Nakashima Studios "R" bench/coffee table A versatile form which can be used as either a bench or table. Commissioned in 2000 for the Davidson Family Signed Mira Nakashima and date...
Walnut
Nakashima Studios Conoid Dining Table
By Mira Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Nakashima Studios Conoid dining table. Executed by Mira Nakashima in 2000 Walnut with Rosewood Butterfly Joints Signed and dated with clients na...
Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 52 in D 37 in
Mira Nakashima Stunning Free Edge Table in Black Walnut 2007 'Signed and Dated'
By Mira Nakashima
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Incredible center/library/hall table with free edge design in black walnut with rosewood butterflies by Mira Nakashima, American 2007 (signed and dated on bottom “Mira Nakashima 8.9....
Walnut
Sold
H 12.5 in W 17 in D 24 in
George Nakashima Studio Wepman Side Tables in Walnut Signed by Mira Nakashima
By George Nakashima Studio, Mira Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of three hand-made Wepman tripod side tables crafted in the George Nakashima Studio by his Daughter and protege Mira Nakashima. Commissioned for an important private Texas collec...
Walnut
Mira Nakashima Conoid Desk
By Mira Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Nakashima Studios Conoid Desk Commissioned in 2000 for the Davidson Family Wonderful selection of wood Signed Mira Nakashima and Dated, clients name Origi...
Walnut
Sold
H 16.93 in W 25.6 in D 16.93 in
Pair of Nakashima Studio Mira Nakashima Wepman Side Tables in Walnut, US 2021
By George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Nakashima Studio Mira Nakashima wepman side tables in walnut, US 2021. The table are made in black walnut and signed.
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 20 in W 43 in D 19 in
Mira Nakashima Maple Burl, Black Walnut & Hickory "Portsmouth" Side Table, 2004
By Mira Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
This is a fine example of the Mira Nakashima burl tables we have had over the years. It is signed to the underside "Mira Nakashima July 13, 2004 Studio".
Hickory, Maple, Walnut
Redwood and Walnut Console Table by Mira Nakashima, 2006
By Mira Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Working in the tradition of her illustrious father, Mira Nakashima continues to use the exceptional craftsmanship for which her family firm is renowned. Born in Seattle, Washington, ...
Mira Nakashima Free-Form Coffee Table with Burl Wood Top
By Mira Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A masterfully crafted Mira Nakashima table from burl wood, the rounded knotty growth on a tree.
Wood, Burl
Minguren II Dining Table by Mira Nakashima
By Mira Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut, Minguren II dining table with rosewood bowties by Mira Nakashima, 2005. Signed and dated.