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.
Nature Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima
By Mira Nakashima, George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Mira Nakashima’s tribute to her father, George, whose standing as one of America’s foremost designer/craftsmen is reflected in his blue-chip status in the vintage de...
Paper
George Nakashima Origins King Size Headboard for Widdicomb, 1950's
By George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
George Nakashima "Origins" Headboard for Widdicomb, circa 1950's. The outer frame of the headboard is comprised of East Indian Laurel wood and is adorned with hand carved, solid hick...
Wood
George Nakashima, Woodworker: New Hope, Pennsylvania (1962 Catalog, Signed)
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
The catalog comprises: First, an introductory paean to craftsmanship and the spirituality of woodworking culminating in Nakashima’s bold signature in ink, dated April 1962. Next, a full-page photo of the Conoid Studio followed by a succession of offerings with photos and descriptions including: Trestle Table, Cross-Legged Table, Round Turned-Leg table, Conoid Table, Turned-Leg Table, Round Clustered-Base Table, Round Pedestal Table, Frenchman’s Cove Square Table, Single Drop-Leaf Table, Boat-Shaped Table, Frenchman’s Cove No.2 Table (fold-out), Round Coffee Table, Conoid Coffee Table, Slab Coffee Table No. 2, Slab Coffee Table, Portsmouth End Table, Square or Rectangular End Table (with and without shelf), Cross-Legged Coffee Table, Conoid Studio End Tables, Conoid Desks, New Chairs, Mira Chairs, Lounge Chair, No Arm, Lounge Chair One-Arm, Grass-Seated Chair, Arm Chair, conoid Chair, New Chair plus Rockers and Arms, Lounge Chair plus Rockers and Arms, Conoid Benches, “Q” Bench, “R” Bench...
Paper
George Nakashima Headboard, Black Walnut Veneer, Widdicomb, 1959
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
Discover the timeless beauty of the George Nakashima Headboard Model 212-X from his renowned Origins line for Widdicomb, crafted in 1959. ...
Walnut
$69,300
George Nakashima Music Stand
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Stunning burl walnut music stand by George Nakashima. Signed and dated 1978. Literature: Derek E. Ostergard, George Nakashima: Full Circle, exh. cat., American Craft Museum, New York, 1989, p. 176 (for a related example) Mira Nakashima, Nature Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima, New York, 2003, p. 113 Robert Aibel...
Wood, Burl
George Nakashima Origins Headboard by Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design headboard for a king or queen sized bed for his Origins series by Widdicomb, 1959. Constructed of East Indian Laurel wood in the original Sundra finish, clean...
Elm
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Origins Model 215 Walnut Nightstands - Pair
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Franklin Park, IL
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Origins Model 215 Mid Century Walnut Nightstands - Pair Each nightstand measures: 22 wide x 20 deep x 19.75 inches high Good Vintage Condition. We t...
Walnut
Walnut Nakashima Headboard by George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A king sized solid walnut headboard. Superb craftsmanship and beautifully executed design.
Walnut
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent George Nakashima Widdicomb Kingsize Headboard Bed Origins Collection
By George Nakashima
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent George Nakashima for Widdicomb king size headboard, circa 1960s. The headboard features a dramatic, sweeping form that is regal and elegant. Surface is incredibly clean, ...
Walnut
1950s George Nakashima Studio Full Size Dovetailed Walnut Headboard Bed Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very special 1950s George Nakashima headboard, produced at the Nakashima Woodworking studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania. ...
Wood
Reverse Glass Painting of Saint George and the Dragon
Located in Stamford, CT
Verre églomisé, or reverse glass painting with gilding of Saint George and the Dragon. St George shown riding his steed, slaying the dragon...
Glass
$195
H 11.25 in W 7.5 in D 0.25 in
Beatrice Wood Signed Book Exhibition Catalog Intimate Appeal The Figurative Art
By Beatrice Wood
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and rare signed softcover book/exhibition catalog by Beatrice Wood. The book is titled "Intimate Appeal: The Figurative Art of Beatrice Wood" and was released to coincid...
Paper
Sotheby's New York Pre-Columbian Sales Catalog November 22, 1993
By Sotheby's
Located in Stamford, CT
Sotheby's New York Pre-Columbian sales catalogs with lavish color photos. An invaluable reference for the collector, scholar or anyone interested in Pre-Columbian art. These catalogs...
Paper
$3,495
H 37 in W 117 in D 17 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin Upholstered King Size bed Teak Headboard, C 1950
By Paul McCobb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Paul McCobb for Calvin Irwin upholstered king size bed teak headboard with brass trim and two floating drawers, labeled in drawer. C.1950.
Teak
Stylish Mid Century King Size Headboard
By John Widdicomb
Located in New York, NY
Stylish architectural Mid Century king size headboard in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition. Total H 38.25" x Tot...
Brass
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 165 in W 59 in D 3 in
George Nelson Thin Edge Floating Queen Headboard for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool nice floating headboard designed by Nelson for Herman Miller , easy to hang on the wall simple elegant design great original condition.
Rattan, Wood
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 25 in W 18 in D 21 in
Pair of Single Drawer Walnut Nightstands by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Beautiful Walnut single drawer nightstands by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb - Great vintage condition - Shows little signs of use. Cloth Label Widdicomb inside top dra...
Walnut
Antique Religion Print of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, 1913
Located in Langweer, NL
Large antique print of the descent of the holy spirit. Published by Mosella-Verlag, 1913. This print originates from a series titled 'Kathol. Schulbibelwerk von Dr. Ecker'.
Paper
$2,680
H 40 in W 80 in D 2 in
Rare John Widdicomb "KING" bed / headboard, Mediterranean Boutique Series
By John Widdicomb
Located in Buffalo, NY
*SELDOM SEEN*. ....A fabulous King size Bed from a coveted boutique series by John Widdicomb, circa 1965. Expertly crafted mahogany case construction finished in a wonderful mahogany...
Mahogany, Giltwood
Brass King Size Headboard
By Mastercraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large king size headboard with lattice design. Polished brass bars intersect with brass rods. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Brass
$1,710Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 39.75 in W 40 in D 14 in
George Nelson for Herman Miller Twin Headboards w Hidden Storage, 1950s, Signed
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An early-production pair of twin headboards designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller, featuring a clever hidden storage compartment that opens to reveal an internal storage with s...
Walnut, Fabric
Sculpted Walnut Studio Craft Music Stand, Signed
By Arthur Espenet Carpenter, Sam Maloof
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This artist made music stand is a true piece of woodworking art. Beautifully and completely crafted out of the most gorgeously grained, solid walnut. The expert craftsmanship truly...
Walnut
Nature, Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima
By Mira Nakashima, George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Mira Nakashima’s tribute to her father, George, whose standing as one of America’s foremost designer/craftsmen is reflected in his blue-chip status in the vintage de...
Paper
George Nakashima and the Modernist Moment
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
Book contextualizing the work and career of mcm designer/craftsman George Nakashima, published in conjunction with an exhibition held at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Bucks Cou...
Paper
Sold
H 42.25 in W 109.5 in D 3 in
George Nakashima Walnut King Headboard Sculptural Form for Widdicomb Mid Century
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Walnut Headboard, designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb, American, circa 1950s. This headboard is currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed. The...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 43 in W 63 in D 2.75 in
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Queen Headboard in Oiled Black Walnut, 1958
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Queen Headboard in Oiled Black Walnut, 1958 Rare Queen-size headboard with sculptural horned ends, designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb. Model 29...
Walnut
Sold
H 21.13 in W 22 in D 21 in
George Nakashima East Indian Laurel Wood Nightstands for Widdicomb, Refinished
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional pair of mid-century Organic Modern nightstands By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, Circa 1960 Gorgeous exotic book-m...
Brass
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Nightstand
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut nightstand by George Nakashima for Widdicomb.
Walnut
Sold
H 21 in W 22 in D 21 in
George Nakashima East Indian Laurel Wood Nightstands for Widdicomb, Restored
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional pair of mid-century Organic Modern nightstands By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1960 Gorgeous exotic East Indian ...
Brass
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Sculpted Walnut Nightstand, 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern nightstand or side table By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection USA, 1960s Sculpted walnut, with ...
Brass
Headboard by George Nakashima by Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in Palm Springs, CA
George Nakashima design headboard for a king size bed for his Origins series by Widdicomb. Constructed of walnut with original woven cane panels. This is just the headboard. At on...
Wood
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Night Stands
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of night stands designed by George Nakashima for Widdicomb in beautifully grained East Indian Laurel.
Wood
George Nakashima Nightstands for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima nightstands for his "Origins" line of furniture produced by Widdicomb. Organic and sculptural design that is contemporary feelin...
Brass
Sold
H 10.75 in W 8.25 in D 0.25 in
New Life for the Noble Tree: Masterworks by George Nakashima 'Sotheby's'
By George Nakashima, Sotheby's
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of a sale held at Sotheby’s, New York, on December 15, 2006, showcasing the Arthur and Evelyn Krosnick collection of George Nakashima furniture and lighting, or actually the second collection, as the first—112 pieces-- was completely destroyed by fire in 1989. George Nakashima essentially stopped what he was doing and focused on rebuilding the collection replacing the lost items with what he deemed better examples, owing to his own technical and artistic maturation, though many were completed under the guidance of his daughter, Mira, after George passed away in 1990. Highlights include an important “Arlyn” table, lot 313, that fetched $822,000 (a record for the artist) on a pre-sale estimate of $300,000-$500,000; a superb “Minguren II” table that brought $180,000; a magnificent “Arlyn II” coffee table that sold for $204,000; and a set of eight Conoid chairs that sold for $96,000. The catalog of the Krosnick sale remains a touchstone for collectors interested in the work of George Nakashima. 103 pages with 85 lots, mostly with full color illustrations, printed wrappers. Price results...
Paper