{"product_id":"george-nakashima-cluster-base-table-with-live-edge-top","title":"George Nakashima 'Cluster Base' Table with Live-Edge Top","description":"George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Cluster Base' table, American black walnut, United States, 1987\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Cluster Base table by George Nakashima exemplifies the designer’s profound sensitivity to material and form. The tabletop, crafted from American black walnut, retains the irregular, organic outline of the original tree. Its live edge flows with a natural rhythm, forming a surface that feels both raw and refined. The slab’s expressive grain pattern enhances this sense of vitality. Dark, swirling veins and lighter streaks trace the growth history of the tree. Variations in tone and texture give the piece a sculptural quality, as if the wood itself is alive with movement. In contrast, the base is composed of clean, geometric lines with an assembly of vertical and horizontal planes that meet in a precise, rational structure, providing ample leg space. The deliberate clarity of the base emphasizes the organic freedom of the slab above it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis dialogue between nature and human intention lies at the core of George Nakashima’s philosophy. For Nakashima, each piece of wood held a spiritual presence, and the role of the craftsman was to reveal its inherent beauty rather than to dominate it. His work sought harmony between the imperfections of the natural world and the discipline of human craftsmanship. In the Cluster Base Table, this philosophy is made visible: the base embodies reason and structure, while the top expresses nature’s individuality and spirit. Together, they form a quiet equilibrium: an elegant testament to Nakashima’s belief in a “union of man and nature.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Nakashima (1905-1990) was a well-known woodworker, architect and furniture designer from Japanese descendants. He was born in Spokane, Washington and enrolled in the University of Washington program in architecture. After his graduation in 1931, he decided to live his life as a bohemian in France. Afterwards, he spent some time in North Africa and eventually settled in Japan for some time. There, he started working for Antonin Raymond, who was an American architect. While working for Raymond, Nakashima extensively toured Japan while trying to understand the Japanese architecture and design. Around 1940, Nakashima decided to leave Japan and returned to the US. However, like many others with a Japanese ancestry, he was interned during World War Two and sent to Camp Minidoka in Idaho. There, Nakashima met a master woodcarver who tutored him in Japanese crafting techniques. From him, he learned to master traditional Japanese hand tools and joinery techniques. From here onwards, he began to use woodworking with discipline and patience, striving towards perfection in his designs. In 1943, he was released from the camp and invited by Antonin Raymond to live in his farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania. During this period, New Hope formed the home port for many great designers such as Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans. Nakashima was a very spiritual and philosophical designer. The basis of Nakashima's work was derived from his practice of integral yoga. Therefore, primary goal of Nakashima's work was to live in harmony with nature rather than to destroy it for their own use. Above all, Nakashima wanted to embody a message to all modern societies that we must constantly remember the eternal in all that we do. He often said of his own work that he gave trees a second life. His designs are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and are often 'signed' with dovetails and butterfly connections. With these ideas in mind, Nakashima created his own style based on Japanese designs and shop practices, combined with the American and International Modern Styles. Therefore, he became one of the best 20th century American Art furniture designers. ","brand":"Morentz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52977756635479,"sku":null,"price":157000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0289\/5187\/1548\/files\/50117554_St_P_6_b614d823-503c-420f-9b9d-a97223d78f22.jpg?v=1773133783","url":"https:\/\/www.morentz.com\/products\/george-nakashima-cluster-base-table-with-live-edge-top","provider":"Morentz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}