George Nakashima (1905-1990)

38 3/8 x 116 7/8 x 81 7/8 in. (97.5 x 297 x 208.8 cm)

American black walnut, rosewood, birch plywood

Inquiry from Christie's

Howell Cook, New Jersey, acquired directly from the artist, 1973

Wright, Chicago, 7 June 2012, lot 153

Acquired from the above by the present owner

1986

American Craft Museum, New York

George Nakashima: Full Circle," New York, 1989, p. 72

George Nakashima was a celebrated American furniture designer and woodworker known for his simplistic yet elegant designs. This king-size bed, crafted by Nakashima in 1978, is made of American black walnut and hickory, featuring the natural beauty of the wood's grain patterns. The bed's design is a testament to Nakashima's philosophy of "the soul of a tree," which advocates for the use of natural materials and highlighting the unique characteristics of the wood in the design process.

The King-Size Bed by George Nakashima embodies the collection's theme of nature-inspired design and the use of natural materials. Nakashima's philosophy of "the soul of a tree" is reflected in this piece, which showcases the beauty of the wood's natural grain patterns and highlights the importance of using sustainable materials in design. As a highly sought-after and rare piece by one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century, the work holds significant value both aesthetically and historically.

USD 52,500