George Nakashima

Private Collection, Washington, D.C., commissioned directly from the artist, 1974
Thence by descent to the present owner

Overall very good, original condition. The highly figured surface, with swirling burls, knots and irregularities inherent to the grain, are continued throughout the entire form, including the base, which is highly unusual. The table marries the artist's signature free edges with sharply defined sides that slope away from the surface, conveying a subdued, yet dynamic elegance. The surfaces with faint scratches and some areas of gentle rubbing and residual spotting throughout, and some minor surface soiling to the recesses of the burls, none visually distracting and all consistent with age and gentle use. One burl to one side with white residue in the recesses, possibly from dried cleaning material, that could be removed. The tabletop with one semicircular mark of black ink measuring approximately ½ x 1 5/8 in., as well as some scattered faint green ink marks to the center of the table. The free edge furthest away in the catalogue illustration with a few scattered and minor losses to the wood: one of the outer horizontal corners with a minute loss measuring approximately 1 7/8 in. long; and the other end of the same edge with a loss measuring approximately 3/8 x 3 1/8 in. A rare example, the table is continuously dynamic when viewed from a variety of angles. There is a subtle design detail in the central leg which is not visible in the catalogue illustration, further emphasizing the thought and care taken by Nakashima when selecting each piece of wood. With family provenance dating to the mid-1970s, the this elegant form is beautifully minimalist and powerfully creative.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

With its inviting shape, sloping edges, and delicately burled surfaces, the present lot on offer is an extremely rare example of George Nakashima’s “Minguren I” series. The exceptional beauty of this table shines through the dynamic composition of its design. The tabletop pairs the artist’s signature free edges with sharply defined sides that slope inward away from the surface, conveying a subdued yet dynamic elegance. The oak’s swirling burls are moreover present throughout both the top and the base, which is highly unusual for Nakashima’s designs. In choosing the unique components to execute this table’s design, Nakashima no doubt anticipated the visual harmony that these disparate elements would form when brought together as one cohesive unit.

This lot is offered together with a copy of the original order card.