George Nakashima USA, 1905-1990
Coffee Table, 1950's
American walnut
31 x 128 x 60 cm
12 1/4 x 50 3/8 x 23 5/8 in
12 1/4 x 50 3/8 x 23 5/8 in
Further images
This coffee table from the 1950s is a quintessential example of George Nakashima’s early studio work, combining natural material integrity with minimal intervention. The top is crafted from a single...
This coffee table from the 1950s is a quintessential example of George Nakashima’s early studio work, combining natural material integrity with minimal intervention. The top is crafted from a single slab of American black walnut, preserving the raw, organic edges of the tree, a defining element of Nakashima’s live-edge philosophy. The void at the center and visible fissures are stabilized using traditional butterfly keys, allowing the natural cracks to remain as visual and structural features. The slender turned legs, slightly tapered and set at an angle, contrast the weight of the top while remaining unobtrusive. This piece reflects the aesthetic and ethical foundations of Nakashima’s work: simplicity, humility, and reverence for the spirit of the wood.