George Nakashima

Chest of Drawers, black American walnut

1955 · United States

The Vestige · One piece only
€30.000Margin scheme

Vintage piece sold under the VAT margin scheme: net price, VAT included, not recoverable and not itemised on the invoice. Delivery quoted within 24 business hours.

One piece only · available

  • Insured white-glove delivery worldwide
  • Certificate of authenticity
  • A dedicated advisor, in the showroom or by video

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The label
Designer
George Nakashima
Period
1955
Origin
United States
Materials
Wood
Dimensions
W 92 × D 48 × H 76 cm
Reference
VST-11212406161749
The story

This dresser crafted from American black walnut is a stunning testament to George Nakashima's craftsmanship. Created upon the request of a private client in 1955, the angular shapes of the piece and its sleek structure allow the wood, Nakashima's favorite material, to shine through its visible natural grains and knots. The dresser consists of three full-size drawers and one smaller one. The drawer handles are seamlessly integrated into the body of the dresser, adding a subtle yet defining detail to the piece, bestowing it with a lasting and timeless design. The chest of drawers has been fully restored, lightly varnished, and is found in an amazing condition.

This dresser is signed on the back with the name of its original recipient, Mr. Manny Hillman. A copy of the original receipt dated June 1955 and a certificate of authenticity from Mira Nakashima will be provided to the buyer.

George Nakashima (1905-1990) was an American architect, woodworker, and furniture maker of Japanese descent, hailed as the father of the "American Craft" movement. Renowned for his profound fascination and innate mastery of working with natural elements, he dedicated his entire career and creative prowess to wood, beginning in 1949. Nakashima prioritized showcasing the beauty of a piece of wood in simple forms, drawing from both Japanese and American tradition. His extensive craftsmanship and profound reverence for the material converged in the creation of timeless pieces characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and delicate proportions.

About George Nakashima

American woodworker George Nakashima (1905-1990) trained in architecture, worked for Antonin Raymond in Tokyo and India, and established his workshop in New Hope, Pennsylvania. His furniture honours the individual tree, using free-edge slabs of walnut and other timbers joined with butterfly keys. The Conoid chair and his large slab tables are his best-known forms. Collectors prize studio pieces with documentation or the client's name inscribed, over the later Knoll editions.

All pieces by George Nakashima
Delivery

Every piece is packed and shipped under insurance, from the workshop to you. White glove delivery (unpacking, installation, packaging removal) is available on request. Delivery is not charged at checkout: we send you a quote within 24 business hours of your order. You have 5 days to accept and pay it (secure payment link or bank transfer), otherwise your order is cancelled and fully refunded.

Certificate of authenticity.

The Vestige

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