Nakashima Lounge Chair with Free Form Arm

A George Nakashima (1905 -1990) lounge chair with free form arm, Undoubtedly one of the preeminent innovators of the 20th century, George Nakashima was a supremely accomplished woodworker, architect and furniture maker. Widely accepted to be the father of the American craft movement, Nakashima was born in Washington to Japanese parents, after earning a masters degree in Architecture from Mit he eventually settled in Japan working for Antonin Raymond. It was during this time with Raymond that Nakashima created his first pieces of furniture, commissioned by an Ashram in India, Perhaps the most formative period of Nakashima's life came during his World War two internment at camp Minidoka in Idaho, held because of his Japanese heritage. It was here he met Gentauro, a master of traditional Japanese woodworking, and under his tutelage developed his characteristic search for perfection at every stage of construction, after Antonin Raymond successfully sponsored his release in 1943, Nakashima joined him in new hope, Pennsylvania. It was here he designed furniture lines for Knoll (some of which are still in production) and other private commissions, growing and developing and in 1973 Nelson Rockefeller commissioned 200 pieces by Nakashima for his New York home, in this example, we see the rawness of the upright supports and figured grain synonymous with his early work, juxtaposed with the highly worked and superbly executed construction paying homage to traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. Crafted in American black walnut and Hickory, this piece clearly embodies Nakashima's philosophy that the product 'Should retain the materials' marks of individuality, as well as those of the craftsmen who bring it to life.' signature to the underside of the seat, height 85 cm, width 80 cm, depth 70 cm