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Nakashima Style Cherry Bookcase by Mack and Rodel, circa 1992

$6,500
£4,855.19
€5,628.82
CA$9,025.09
A$10,115.96
CHF 5,267.08
MX$123,520.22
NOK 66,872.83
SEK 63,389.43
DKK 41,997.07
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About the Item

A beautifully crafted studio-made bookcase by acclaimed artisans Susan Mack and Kevin Rodel, created in Pownal, Maine around 1992. Known for their mastery of woodworking, Mack and Rodel have built a reputation within the American studio craft movement for creating functional yet sculptural furniture that marries traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Their work is often compared to that of George Nakashima, the legendary Japanese-American woodworker whose philosophy emphasized honoring the natural beauty of wood and the importance of handcraftsmanship. Like Nakashima, Mack and Rodel prioritize material integrity, precise joinery, and the seamless integration of form and function—values deeply rooted in the American craft tradition. Susan Mack studied at the University of Wisconsin and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), while Kevin Rodel trained at Bowdoin College and studied under noted craftspeople. Together, they established their studio in Pownal, Maine, becoming central figures in the Northeast’s vibrant craft community. Their work has been exhibited widely, including at the American Craft Council Shows, the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. They have received numerous honors, including the prestigious James Renwick Alliance Award for excellence in craft, recognizing their contributions to advancing American studio furniture. Among their notable pieces are handcrafted tables and cabinets that exhibit their characteristic clean lines, subtle organic curves, and impeccable craftsmanship. Their work combines traditional joinery—such as dovetails and mortise-and-tenon—with contemporary design sensibilities that emphasize simplicity and the inherent beauty of wood. This bookcase exemplifies their approach—featuring an almost minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and subtle details. The expertly executed dovetailed joints at the top and bottom showcase their precision; notably, the bottom dovetail is concealed, streamlining the visual impact without sacrificing structural integrity. The paneled back is fully finished and as meticulously constructed as the front, reflecting a holistic dedication to quality. Emerging during a period when the American craft movement emphasized a return to handcraftsmanship, material honesty, and individual artistic expression, Mack and Rodel’s furniture bridges fine art and functional design. This bookcase is an outstanding example of that philosophy—perfect for collectors and interiors valuing timeless craftsmanship, subtle elegance, and the rich tradition of American studio furniture.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 63 in (160.02 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1992
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Bookcase has some age related splits and some scratches, but scratches are older and partially filled with wax from years of upkeep... See photos.
  • Seller Location:
    Kilmarnock, VA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU883033926152

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