George Nakashima

George Nakashima (1905–1990) stands as one of the most revered figures in American studio furniture, celebrated for elevating wood to a spiritual medium. Born in Spokane, Washington, and trained as an architect at MIT, Nakashima traveled extensively through Europe and Asia, absorbing craft traditions that would later define his singular aesthetic. His time in Japan and India, particularly his work under the Sri Aurobindo ashram, deepened his belief in the soul of natural materials, a philosophy that became central to his life's work.

After relocating to Pennsylvania in the 1940s, Nakashima established the studio that would become synonymous with a new American craft sensibility. His sculptural slabs, butterfly joints, and reverence for organic form created a vocabulary instantly recognizable and deeply influential. Each table, chair, and cabinet was conceived as a collaboration with the tree itself, honoring its history, imperfections, and inherent beauty.

Today, Nakashima’s works occupy a rarefied position in the market, prized for their purity of vision and unwavering craftsmanship. With enduring collector demand, Nakashima’s furniture continues to embody the harmony of nature, artistry, and spiritual intention.