Designer
George Nakashima
George Nakashima (1905–1990) was an American woodworker and architect, born in Spokane, Washington. He studied architecture at the University of Washington and MIT, worked in Japan for Antonin Raymond, and from 1943 ran a studio and…
Biography
Background
George Nakashima (1905–1990) was an American woodworker and architect, born in Spokane, Washington. He studied architecture at the University of Washington and MIT, worked in Japan for Antonin Raymond, and from 1943 ran a studio and workshop in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Signature Style
Knoll says he juxtaposed the natural edge of a piece of wood with traditional Japanese joinery. Wikipedia adds his large slab tables with smooth tops, unfinished natural edges and butterfly joints.
Notable Works
- The Straight Chair and the Splay-Leg Table, created for Knoll in the 1940s and reintroduced by KnollStudio in 2008
- Large slab tables with butterfly joints
- The Origin Group collection for the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and 200 pieces commissioned by Nelson Rockefeller in 1973, New York
Legacy
Knoll lists the AIA gold medal for craftsmanship, the Hazlett Award and the Order of the Sacred Treasure (1983). His home, studio and workshop in New Hope is a National Historic Landmark, and his daughter Mira Nakashima took over the company after his death.