Upcoming Rago Sale Features George Nakashima Arlyn Coffee Table and Wharton Esherick’s Captain’s Chair

A prominent figure in the development of American Studio furniture, George Nakashima contributed to Modernism through his outstanding skills as a woodworker and his background in architecture. The Japanese American furniture designer used gnarled and figured slabs of wood as the foundation for his innovative, organic designs, which were reminiscent of furniture of earlier periods. Nakashima preferred handmade materials and methods over industrial approaches. He always used solid hardwoods for his work, and he explored the infinite complexities inside centuries-old trees. The distinctive features of Nakashima’s work are his poetic style of design, an appreciation of wood, and an insistence on evoking emotion through furniture. An Arlyn coffee table by George Nakashima is a key highlight of the upcoming sale from Rago. The Nakashima Studios table features an expressive burl grain, free edges, and exposed knots.

Another noteworthy lot is Wharton Esherick’s captain’s chair. Known as the “Dean of American Craft,” Esherick was the connecting link between the Arts and Crafts movement and the revival of interest in woodworking initiated by the Studio Craft movement. The 1950s saw an increasing demand for contemporary, artist-made items among the general population – a trend that wasn’t limited to wealthy consumers. Consequently, Esherick’s captain’s chair provided an easy response to this issue and became one of his most desirable designs. To view the complete catalog and register to bid, visit Rago auction house.