George Nakashima Pair of Spindleback Lounge Chairs in Walnut

George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, pair of spindleback easy chairs, American Black Walnut, fabric, United States, 1960s

This quintessential spindle back armchair is designed by George Nakashima. Executed in solid American black walnut, the wooden framework is characterized by clear, defined lines. The chair features spindles at the back, referring with this feature to the old Classic Windsor chairs. The feet of the chair are circular and tapered towards the end. The design of this chair is typical for Nakashima as it is minimalist and robust and stays close to the natural qualities of the wood and the tree of which these items are derived from. The fabric is an off-white mohair and contrasts in a natural, understated way with the warm toned wooden framework.
George 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 Frank 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.
Kindly be informed that the photographs provided are merely examples, as we had more of these chairs in stock. It is important to note that the items varies in terms of wood grains and tones. In addition, the depicted photographs show an example of the way the upholstery can be tailored to specific wishes of our clients. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts to discuss your wishes regarding upholstery and finishing. Your special requests can be realized by the experienced craftsmen and -women in our own in-house restoration and upholstery atelier. With high attention to the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. Please note that a custom-made reupholstered chair has a lead-time of twelve to fourteen weeks. All to meet our high-quality and standards.

We would like to bring to your attention that we currently have two ottomans in stock. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.

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