LAMBERTVILLE, NJ.- For over 25 years, Rago Auctions in Lambertville, NJ has been the leading auction destination for works by Delaware Valley Modernists including Phil Powell, Wharton Esherick, Paul Evans and early pioneer of the American Craft Movement, George Nakashima.

An American woodworker of Japanese descent, George Nakashima’s creations present a graceful blending of traditional Japanese technique and modern aesthetic. In an effort to preserve the organic expressiveness of wood, Nakashima often selected planks and boards containing burls, knots and figured grain. While more difficult to work with, Nakashima favored these ‘flawed’ cuts for their raw, natural beauty. To join planks, or to reinforce the natural split of a single plank, Nakashima often employed the use butterfly joints: a trademark of his work.

Rago Auctions has enjoyed the rare privilege of selling over 1,500 works by George Nakashima at auction, as well as many created by his daughter, Mira Nakashima, who continues the family design legacy as head of Nakashima Studios.

Rago continue this tradition in their Modern Design Auction on September 23, which will see over 30 works by George Nakashima cross the Rago auction block.

Highlights

Conoid Single Pedestal Desk, 1978; Figured Walnut, Rosewood. Est. $20,000-30,000
“George Nakashima produced several fine desks over the years, most featuring tops that one would have difficulty mistaking for a traditional writing surface. This desk has an exceptional free-form top with a large natural opening; most unusual for such a functional piece.” - David Rago; Co-Director, Rago Design Department


Floor Lamp, 1962; Walnut, Fiberglass, Single socket. Est. $17,500 - 22,500
“George Nakashima began producing lighting in the early 1960s. Nakashima floor lamps of any variety are rare and highly desirable, and this version remains among the most popular.” - David Rago; Co-Director, Rago Design Department


Multi-Purpose Cabinet, 1962; Walnut, Fiberglass, Rosewood. Est. $9,000 - 12,000
"Most of the work George Nakashima produced over the course of his half century career focused on dining room sets and coffee tables. Multi-purpose cabinets, such as this one, were often special-order items made to spec for valued clients.” - David Rago; Co-Director, Rago Design Department