DALLAS, TX.- To George Nakashima, furniture was a medium to express what he termed, "the Soul of the Tree." Beginning in the 1940s, Nakashima channeled his experience as a traveler, architect and craftsman into creating a studio that would make furniture and objects in a manner fitting to his beliefs. Countless have visited that studio, in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and Nakashima's furniture remains among the best created by his generation of artists and designers.
Nakashima's philosophy will be on full display in a half a dozen lots by the artist that will be offered in
Heritage Auctions' Design Auction April 27.
"George Nakashima was a master woodworker, designer and furniture maker who forged his own path in the creation of his studio," Heritage Auctions Design Director Brent Lewis said. "His work, and that made under the care of his daughter, Mira, represents more than its functionality and aesthetic beauty. Nakashima furniture signifies a particular approach to life, of appreciating nature and preserving thoughtfulness in one's work."
The event's highlights from the artist include, but are not limited to:
• A Rare Odakyu Table, 1984 (estimate: $30,000-50,000) – made from English Claro Walnut and American Black Walnut, it stands 20-7/8 inches tall and is signed and dated to underside "George Nakashima, Dec. 12, 1984"
• A Cross-Legged Extending Dining Table, 1960 (estimate: $15,000-25,000) – beautifully crafted from American black walnut with two rosewood butterfly keys and two extensions, split along the middle into two leaves
• Six New Chairs, designed 1956, produced 1960 (estimate: $10,000-15,000) – made from American black walnut, and offered along with a digital copy of the original order card from Nakashima Studios
• A Sliding Door Cabinet, 1960 (estimate: $12,000-18,000) – created from American black walnut, measuring 31-1/2 inches high and 72 inches long
• A Greenrock Ottoman, circa 1975 (estimate: $6,000-9,000) – made of walnut, with cotton upholstery, it is consigned by Gil Winter, who got it directly from the artist
