Don't miss out on a once in a lifetime find with this genuine mid-century settee handcrafted by the American Modern pioneer, George Katsutoshi Nakashima (1905-1990). One of the most important figures in 20th Century design, Nakashima studied architecture at the University of Washington and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before heading abroad to work under legendary international architects such as Le Corbusier, Antonin Raymond, and Gira Sarabhai. Upon his return to the United States, he was unjustly interned with fellow Japanese-Americans at Camp Minidoka in Idaho where he met Gentaro Hikogawa, a classically trained daiku (or Japanese carpenter), who trained Nakashima in traditional hand-tooling and joinery techniques. In 1943, he was released from Camp Minidoka and settled in New Hope, Pennsylvania with his wife Marion, where he would establish the world-famous Nakashima Woodworker Complex, still housing the workshops of the George Nakashima Woodworkers to this day.

This robust settee measures a comfortable 72" long and has been constructed of solid American black walnut wood. Featuring an elegant but sturdy slatted back and beautiful geometric profile, this practical design shows a clear connection to Nakashima's iconic "Conoid" chair. Bearing traditional doweled joinery, this museum-quality piece has been built to stand the tests of time and is sure to be both an heirloom and an investment. The three seat cushions and throw pillows sport their original moss-green fabric. This sofa was acquired in 2021 from the estate of Katherine Mezger, a former employee at the New Hope, Pennsylvania studio in the 1960s and has been authenticated as an original George Nakashima piece by his daughter and current Nakashima Woodworkers president, Mira.

Additional high-resolution photographs are available upon request. Local pickup available in Brooklyn, NY.
Dimensions: 
Height: 32.5 in (82.55 cm)Width: 72 in (182.88 cm)Depth: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
Condition: 
Wear consistent with age and use. Unaltered condition Some minor scratches, etc. and natural imperfections to solid walnut frame Typical wear to fabric cushions Acquired from estate of original owner (an employee of George Nakashima's during the 1960s) in 2021 More images available.
Reference Number:
Seller: 20578-2094NL