George Nakashima believed that every tree tells its own story. Here, the dramatic walnut slab is given an almost sculptural presence, its powerful overhang counterbalanced by an understated base of remarkable precision. The result is a composition that feels radical, effortless and deeply rooted in nature.

A key feature of many Nakashima designs is the use of butterfly joints, alternatively known as bow-ties. These joints serve a dual purpose—they add a unique aesthetic dimension while also performing a practical function. They are used to join pieces of wood together and to stop cracks from spreading. In doing so, they not only let Nakashima incorporate the tree’s most dramatic elements without compromising the structural soundness of his work but also bolstered his design methodology.