George Nakashima | Sakura Seisakusho
New Lounge Chair with Free-Form Arms | Pair (Sakura Seisakusho)
Material: American Black Walnut, Hickory
Dimensions: 30 x 31 x 33 in (each) | Seat Height 12 3/4 in
Stamped with signature “Nakashima”
A pair of George Nakashima licensed Sakura Seisakusho produced New Lounge Chairs with Free-Form Arms. The “New Lounge Chair with Free-Form Arm” was originally designed in 1962 and showcases the evolution of Nakashima’s earlier 1955 “New Chair” design.
This true pair includes a chair with a free form, slab right arm (this chair’s arm includes a butterfly joint stabilizing a void) and another with a free form, slab left arm. Additionally, both chairs feature single board seats of American Black Walnut as well as hand carved Hickory spindles, serving as the chairs’ backrests.
About Sakura Seisakusho:
Sakura Seisakusho, established in the 1940s, is a traditional Japanese woodcraft company known for its fine craftsmanship. The company built its reputation by specializing in wooden furniture and objects made with precision and care. Sakura’s artisans have long adhered to the principles of Japanese woodworking, emphasizing natural beauty, simplicity, and functionality.
In 1964, a significant turning point for both Sakura and George Nakashima occurred when the two entities began a collaboration. This collaboration not only bridged the gap between two different cultures but also marked the beginning of a deep and long-lasting partnership.
In the ’60s, George Nakashima sought to expand his production capabilities while maintaining the level of craftsmanship he was known for. After visiting Japan, Nakashima was introduced to Sakura Seisakusho, a company that shared his values of precision and respect for natural materials. In 1964, the partnership was officially formed, with Sakura becoming the exclusive company authorized to create Nakashima’s designs in Japan.
The Sakura-produced Nakashima pieces are all marked with a burned brand based on his signature, ensuring they were clearly distinguishable as the licensed iterations, distinct from the works created in Nakashima’s New Hope workshop. This branding reflected Nakashima’s desire for these pieces to be immediately identifiable and authentically tied to his vision but separating them from those he directly crafted and oversaw.
| Dimensions | 30 × 31 × 33 in |
|---|---|
| Artist | George Nakashima | Sakura Seisakusho |
| Material | American black walnut, Hickory |
| Style |
