George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
American, 1905-1990
A master woodworker and M.I.T.-trained architect, George Nakashima was the leading light of the American Studio furniture movement. Along with Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof and Wendell Castle, Nakashima was an artisan who disdained industrial methods and materials in favor of a personal, craft-based approach to the design of chairs, coffee tables and other pieces. What sets Nakashima apart is the poetic style of his work, his reverence for wood and the belief that his furniture could evince — as he put it in the title of his 1981 memoir — The Soul of a Tree.
Born in Spokane, Washington, to Japanese immigrants, Nakashima traveled widely after college, working and studying in Paris, Japan and India, and at every stop he absorbed both modernist and traditional design influences.
The turning point in Nakashima’s career development came in the United States in 1942, when he was placed in an internment camp for Asian-Americans in Idaho. There, Nakashima met a master woodcarver who tutored him in Japanese crafting techniques. A former employer won Nakashima’s release and brought him to bucolic New Hope, Pennsylvania, where Nakashima set up a studio and worked for the rest of his life. (Master craftsperson Mira Nakashima keeps her father’s legacy alive at the George Nakashima Studio in New Hope today. She has been the artistic director of George Nakashima Woodworkers since her father's death, in 1990.)
Nakashima’s singular aesthetic is best captured in his custom-made tables and benches — pieces that show off the grain, burls and whorls in a plank of wood. He left the “free edge,” or natural contour, of the slab un-planed, and reinforced fissures in the wood with “butterfly” joints.
Almost all Nakashima seating pieces have smooth, milled edges. Nakashima also contracted with large-scale manufacturers to produce carefully supervised editions of his designs. Knoll has offered his Straight chair — a modern take on the spindle-backed Windsor chair — since 1946; the now-defunct firm Widdicomb-Mueller, the result of a merger between Widdicomb and Mueller Furniture, issued the Shaker-inspired Origins collection in the 1950s.
Nelson Rockefeller in 1973 gave Nakashima his single largest commission: a 200-piece suite for his suburban New York estate. Today, Nakashima furniture is collected by both the staid and the fashionable: his work sits in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution, as well as in the homes of Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Diane von Furstenberg and the late Steve Jobs.
Find vintage George Nakashima furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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Creator: George Nakashima
Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henredon Taliesin Bedside Chests, Refinished
By George Nakashima, Heritage-Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern "Taliesin" bedside chests
By Frank Lloyd Wright for Heritage Henredon
USA, 1950s
Each measures: 21.5"W x 20"D x 28"H.
Mahogany, ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Sap Walnut, Rare Dresser, USA, 1958
By George Nakashima
Located in Manhasset, NY
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Double Chest of Drawers, Sap Walnut, c. 1958
Double chest of drawers designed by George Nakashima for Nakashima Studios circa 1958. This e...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Free Edge George Nakashima 2-Door Cabinet
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early cabinet consisting of 2 sliding doors concealing 4 drawers and a shelf.
George Nakshima sliding door cabinet
Open shelf on 1 side, 4 drawers...
Category
1960s North American Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Mira Nakashima Credenza based on a design by George Nakashima, USA
By George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima
Located in Berlin, DE
Mira Nakashima Credenza based on a design by George Nakashima. The credenza is made in black walnut. Due to the unique wood structure of each item t...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Walnut
George Nakashima, Large Chest of Drawers, Walnut, for Widdicomb, America 1960s
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in High Point, NC
A large walnut chest of drawers or dresser designed by George Nakashima. Produced by Widdicomb Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, A...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut Two Pedestal Desk With Captains Chair 1961
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Hamburg, PA
A George Nakashima black walnut Double Pedestal Desk and Captain's Chair.
The desk was first made in 1955, this one was crafted in 1961.
Both pieces maintain their original client's ...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Gentleman's Chest for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser
By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection
USA, 1960
Gorgeous sc...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
George Nakashima 6 Foot Free Edge Corner Counter Shelf or Console, Signed, 1971
By George Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A corner-mounted counter shelf or floating console table by George Nakashima comprising a single slab in American black walnut with two free edges, signe...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Sliding Doors Dresser Credenza
By George Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima Sliding Doors Dresser Credenza
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Double Sliding-Door Cabinet in American Black Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima, sideboard, American black walnut, hickory, United States, 1969
With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this double-sliding door cabinet is a...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Hickory, Walnut
Six Drawer Dresser George Nakashima Origins Widdicomb 1962
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in Camden, ME
Vintage George Nakashima six drawer dresser for the Widdicomb Orgins Line (1958-1963) in walnut wood with oil finish.
The angled asymmetric on...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Turned Wood Dowel Shape Leg Single Pedestal Small Desk Mint
By George Nakashima
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima turned wood dowel shape leg single pedestal small desk mint with documents.
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20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Sliding-Door Cabinet in Walnut and Pandanus Cloth
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, sideboard, walnut, pandanus cloth, United States, 1966.
With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this two-door sliding-...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima 8 Drawer Cherry Chest, Mid-Century
By George Nakashima
Located in Toledo, OH
Studio crafted chest by George Nakashima (1905-1990). This cherry chest features a 3 plank top with expressive grain and sap grain detail above 8 drawers. Beautifully dovetailed case...
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Cherry
Large George Nakashima 12-Drawer Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
George Nakashima for Widdicomb's "Origins" Collection.
Massive 12-drawer dresser in beautiful East Indian Laurel wood with brass pulls.
Extremely heavy.
Recently polished. Mino...
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Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, American Walnut, Rare Dresser, USA, 1953
By George Nakashima
Located in Manhasset, NY
George Nakashima, American Studio, Mid-Century Modern, Rare Cabinet or Dresser, USA, 1953
Rare opportunity to acquire a special order cabinet designed and produced by George Nakashi...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima, Kornblut Cabinet in American Black Walnut, 1972, New Hope USA
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
George Nakashima (1905-1990), Kornblut Cabinet in American Black Walnut, made at the Nakashima Studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania, USA in 1972.
This ra...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut, Burl
George Nakashima East Indian Laurel Wood Gentleman's Chest for Widdicomb
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern gentleman's chest or highboy dresser
By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection
USA, 1959
Gorgeous ex...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Hanging Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
This rare and unique walnut hanging cabinet by George Nakashima is a beautiful and functional piece of modern furniture with sliding doors. The cabinet features an overhang top with one free edge above two doors that conceal one adjustable shelf. Crafted from high-quality American black walnut wood, this cabinet has been fully restored at the Nakashima workshop...
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1950s American Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Walnut Sideboard with Top Shelf by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in Atlanta, GA
A two-piece custom sideboard pr credenza handcrafted by George Nakashima, circa 1969 in his new hope studio. It is constructed with American black walnut with solid oak interiors. Th...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut, Oak
George Nakashima Walnut Sideboard, 1961
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A walnut sideboard 60" in width, straight edge top, wood doors, sub sap streak top and sides, 4 drawers on left and shelves on right. Documentation included.
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Long Dresser Credenza Cabinet Burl Sliding Doors
By George Nakashima, John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima for widdicomb long dresser credenza cabinet burl sliding doors mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut, Burl
Hanging Cabinet by George Nakashima
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
This rare and unique walnut hanging cabinet by George Nakashima is a beautiful and functional piece of modern furniture with sliding doors. The cabinet features an overhang top with one free edge above two doors that conceal one adjustable shelf.
Crafted from high-quality American black walnut wood, this cabinet has been fully restored at the Nakashima workshop...
Category
1950s American Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima black american walnut chest of drawers 1955
By George Nakashima
Located in Paris, IDF
This dresser crafted from American black walnut is a stunning testament to George Nakashima's craftsmanship. Created upon the request of a private client in 1955, the angular shapes ...
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1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Walnut and Brass Monumental Cabinet for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
A very rare Monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection, USA, 1950s. Made with sculpted walnut, with original ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
12 Drawer George Nakashima Dresser Origins Widdicomb 1959
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Camden, ME
George Nakashima 12 drawer dresser from his Origins line of Wiiddicomb furniture.(1958 - 1963 )
The dresser is in East Indian Laurel and has magnificent graining.
The front edge of t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
1954 George Nakashima Studio Triple Sliding Door Cabinet / Credenza Black Walnut
By George Nakashima
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a gorgeous 1954 George Nakashima Studio triple sliding door cabinet /credenza in American black walnut. This is an early piece, representing a number of refined ea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima "Origins" Tall Chest
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima "Origins" tall chest for Widdicomb. Rare example with a figured burl door and drawers for every necescity rising on a splayed base, newly refinished and ready to install. Massive amounts of clothing storage...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
George Nakashima Widdicomb Model 205 MCM Walnut and Carpathian Elm Sideboard
By George Nakashima, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Countryside, IL
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Model 205 Mid Century Walnut and Carpathian Elm Sideboard Credenza
This credenza measures: 84 wide x 22 deep x 32.25 inches high
All pieces of furnit...
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1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Walnut
“Free Edge” Cabinet by George Nakashima, United States, 1955
By George Nakashima
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare and exquisite example of George Katsutoshi Nakashima’s deep reverence for natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship, this “Free Edge” cabinet was specially commissioned in 1...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Cherry
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Sap Walnut, Rare Nightstand, USA, 1957
By George Nakashima
Located in Manhasset, NY
George Nakashima, Mid-Century Modern, Sap Walnut, Rare Chest of Drawers or Single Dresser, USA, 1957
Single Rectilinear chest designed by George Nakashima (1905-1990) for Nakashima ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Sculpted Walnut Dresser for Widdicomb, Newly Restored
By Widdicomb Furniture Co., George Nakashima
Located in South Bend, IN
A very rare and exceptional mid-century Organic Modern monumental triple dresser, sideboard, or credenza
By George Nakashima for Widdicomb Furniture, "Origins" Collection
USA, 1961...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
George Nakashima for Widdicomb Dresser
By George Nakashima
Located in Dallas, TX
A large George Nakashima for Widdicomb dresser with beautifully grained East Indian Laurel and brass pulls. Beautifully restored.
Category
1950s Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
George Nakashima Origins Dresser for Widdicomb
By George Nakashima
Located in San Francisco, CA
George Nakashima design dresser for his Origins line by Widdicomb, 1959. Dramatic wood grain figuring throughout the body of the case and trapezoidal shape top extending to 105"in. w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
George Nakashima case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
George Nakashima case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of George Nakashima case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 32 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by George Nakashima were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by William Doezema, Renzo Rutili, and Pace Collection. Prices for George Nakashima case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $14,000 and can go as high as $160,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $45,000.
Creators Similar to George Nakashima
Questions About George Nakashima Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022George Nakashima is perhaps best known for developing the butterfly joint. This construction method involves connecting pieces with a third piece of wood shaped like a butterfly. The joint forms a strong, sturdy connection and stabilizes pieces to fight the effects of wood expansion. On 1stDibs, shop a range of George Nakashima furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify George Nakashima furniture, start by looking for the name of the original client written in black marker. He usually wrote the name on the underside of a piece of furniture. Order cards and shop drawings can also help authenticate his work. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted George Nakashima furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, George Nakashima didn’t usually sign the majority of his works. Instead, he normally added the name of the client to the timber selected to start the project. The writing usually appears in simple black marker. On 1stDibs, find a variety of George Nakashima furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To address wood expansion, George Nakashima pioneered the butterfly joint. This technique uses a butterfly-shaped piece of wood as an anchor. When wood expands, the butterfly joint prevents the pieces from splitting apart. Butterfly joints are strong and increase the overall durability of his wood furniture. On 1stDibs, find a collection of George Nakashima.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
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