George Nakashima was a renowned 20th century American furniture and woodworker known for his handcrafted furniture pieces and unique style. Born on May 24, 1905 in Spokane, Washington, Nakashima was born in the United States but spent much of his childhood in Japan, where he learned the art of wood carving and carpentry.
After graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Washington in 1929, Nakashima traveled to Paris to study at the École des Beaux-Arts. He later moved to Japan to study traditional Japanese crafts and work under masters of Japanese carpentry.
While in Japan, Nakashima was inspired by the concept of the "Tree of Life" table, which respects and emphasizes the natural form of wood. This philosophy, which he referred to as “the soul of the tree,” shaped his entire work as a furniture designer.
In the 1940s, Nakashima was taken to a Japanese internment camp in the United States during World War II. During this time he met the architect Antonin Raymond, who encouraged him to further develop his furniture making skills. After his release from the camp, Nakashima founded his own studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania, where he designed and manufactured his unique furniture pieces.
Nakashima's works are characterized by their simple elegance and the use of solid wood, which often has natural edges and grains. He was known for his use of exotic woods such as cherry, walnut and cypress, which he combined with traditional Japanese craft techniques such as the Japanese wood joining process.
Among his most famous works are his table designs, including the "Conoid" and the "Minguren" table, which are known for their organic shapes and craftsmanship precision. Nakashima's furniture pieces have been appreciated by collectors and design lovers around the world and can now be found in renowned museums and private collections.
George Nakashima passed away on June 15, 1990, but left a lasting legacy in the world of furniture design. His influence on modern furniture making and his commitment to the natural beauty of wood have cemented his reputation as one of the most important furniture artists of the 20th century.
