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In the world of fine woodworking and collectible design, few contemporary names command the reverence that Mira Nakashima does. The heir to a remarkable legacy, Mira has spent decades refining and advancing the philosophies imparted by her father, George Nakashima—one of the most influential American furniture makers of the 20th century. Yet, her work is[...]

Among the most influential figures in the canon of 20th-century design, George Nakashima occupies a singular place. A master woodworker, architect, and philosopher, Nakashima transformed the craft of furniture-making into a form of spiritual expression. His works transcend utility, evoking a meditative connection between material, maker, and user.Signature Characteristics

For the discerning collector, understanding the nuances[...]

In the world of design and woodworking, few names resonate as powerfully as George Nakashima. The legacy of George Nakashima and his daughter, Mira, captures the harmonious blending of Eastern aesthetics and Western functionality. Their artistry offers a captivating insight into the rich tapestry of design philosophies across cultures. 

The following will offer a look into[...]

Learning from Japan: The Craft of Design

A conversation with makers, merchants and mentors

Thursday, April 3, 2025 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Moderne Gallery 1705 N. American St Philadelphia, PA 19122

Join Collab at Moderne Gallery for a conversation about the influence of Japanese craft, philosophy and design ethos in contemporary design.[...]

Edward Moulthrop is known as the “father of modern woodturning,” a nickname that Moulthrop earned through his mastery of woodturning techniques and the innovative vision behind his work. Moulthrop inspired contemporaries and later generations alike with his oversized wooden pieces, handcrafted with pioneering techniques that cemented his one-of-a-kind talent for the craft. In this article,[...]

Sam Maloof is a prominent figure in the 20th century Studio Craft movement. Maloof is known as a trailblazing furniture maker known for rich woodcuts, fine joinery, and sculptural designs. Maloof’s dedication to functionality and his standalone vision made him a leader in the Studio Craft movement, and of all of his unique pieces, his[...]

For collectors and appreciators of studio craft furniture, surely the term “Conoid” has come up in their research and browsing of great works. This term is highly specific and belongs to a collection of pieces by George Nakashima. In this article, we will explain what conoid furniture is, what makes conoid furniture special, and provide[...]

Wendell Castle is celebrated as the “father of the art furniture movement,” blending fine art, craftsmanship, and functionality into groundbreaking designs. His furniture is renowned for its sculptural forms, innovative techniques, and use of rich materials like wood, fiberglass, and resin. Let’s take a closer look into why Wendell Castle’s furniture and pieces are so[...]

The American Studio Craft Movement celebrates a distinct approach to artistry, where traditional handcraft meets individual innovation. This movement elevated ceramics from a functional craft to a medium for artistic expression, blending personal vision with cultural commentary. Famous American ceramicists like Peter Voulkos and Estelle Halper redefined the medium, infusing each piece with a unique[...]

Japan has long been known as a prolific origin for ceramic art.  The origin of Japanese ceramics can be traced back to Japan’s Jōmon period, lasting from roughly 14,000 to 300 BCE, where coiled rope patterns were often pressed into ceramic earthenware pottery to create adornments. 

The Long Heritage of Japanese Ceramics 

These early unglazed earthenware pieces[...]

George Nakashima is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential Studio Craft Furniture designers of the 20th century. His enduring legacy and the one-of-a-kind body of work produced in his lifetime continue to stand out to collectors and historians alike. Nakashima’s benches are some of his most celebrated pieces, and are highly coveted[...]

Do you recognize a George Nakashima coffee table when you see it? Are you sure?

As the father of the American Studio Craft Movement, Nakashima is commonly copied. A recent global Nakashima’s surge in demand for live-edge wood furniture only reinforces the legacy of Nakashima’s iconic style.

Here are five features that make tables so unique and[...]

The studio craft movement is a testament to the unique visions of prolific artists and our innate interest in beautiful things. Studio craft applies traditional craft techniques to objects that artfully blend utility with the individual vision of an artist. Most studio craft pieces are both aesthetically pleasing and functional – making studio craft  uniquely[...]

By blurring the line between function and sculpture, studio ceramic artists from the 20th century helped elevate pottery to the highly sought-after art form that it is today. They were able to shift the perception of ceramics in the eyes of collectors everywhere so they could see clay and porcelain objects in a different light.[...]

There is no doubt, 20th century design has retained its relevance today, serving as a compelling testament to its enduring status as a timeless collectible. Art and design collectors everywhere still relish the timeless design elements of 20th century design, characterized by clean lines, vibrant colors, organic shapes, and the artistic connection between form and[...]

At Moderne Gallery, we continue to discover George Nakashima’s very early work as well as rare, custom-designed pieces from his later work. The joy of discovering the early pieces is gaining a unique understanding of Nakashima’s development and approach through time. The later pieces show his evolution to satisfy client desires while remaining true to[...]

Buying a George Nakashima chair is an act of love and appreciation for the father of the American Craft Movement. It’s also a wise investment in an exquisitely designed piece of art.

To understand the many reasons why people purchase Nakashima chairs, start by looking at his background and techniques. Nakashima himself was as one-of-a-kind as[...]

Wharton Esherick furniture is so unique and distinctive because Esherick made it that way – on purpose. His artistic vision was to design furniture that functioned as sculpture, and sculpture that functioned as furniture. The early asymmetric, prismatic forms of his sculptural furnishings and his organic approach to design for his later works established him[...]

There’s nothing else quite like a George Nakashima table. Nakashima’s fluid, natural-form tables vibrate with life as if bursting forth from the ground beneath.

Each of these tables is an exquisitely handcrafted masterpiece representing the American Studio Craft Movement and its father, George Nakashima.

Who Was George Nakashima?

Nakashima was born in Spokane, Washington in 1905 to Japanese-American[...]