George Nakashima 'Conoid' Writing Desk in American Black Walnut

George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Conoid' writing desk, walnut, hickory, United States, 1978

This Conoid desk by George Nakashima, made custom for a private client in 1978, exemplifies his signature style, which blends nature and design, evident in the raw beauty of the wood juxtaposed against the clean, modern lines of the desk's form. This particular desk is crafted from American black walnut, a wood known for its durability and rich, dark grain patterns, which are beautifully showcased in this piece. Structurally, the desk features a distinctive asymmetrical, tapered form with a live-edge top, highlighting the natural contours and texture of the walnut. The piece is supported by a single pedestal, located on the right side, which incorporates a set of drawers with beautiful recessed handles. On the opposite side, the base revolves around a cross-legged configuration, where the legs taper elegantly. This subtle, minimalistic structure creates a harmonious balance between the robust pedestal and the lighter, open form of the leg. The joinery techniques used in the desk are meticulously executed, displaying fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, particularly in the way the pedestal and legs are integrated into the design. Nakashima succeeded in creating a durable piece of furniture with a timeless aesthetic and impeccable quality made possible by his close relationship with nature.

George Nakashima (1905-1990) was a well-known woodworker, architect and furniture designer from Japanese descendants. He was born in Spokane, Washington and enrolled in the University of Washington program in architecture. After his graduation in 1931, he decided to live his life as a bohemian in France. Afterwards, he spent some time in North Africa and eventually settled in Japan for some time. There, he started working for Antonin Raymond, who was an American architect. While working for Raymond, Nakashima extensively toured Japan while trying to understand the Japanese architecture and design. Around 1940, Nakashima decided to leave Japan and returned to the US. However, like many others with a Japanese ancestry, he was interned during World War Two and sent to Camp Minidoka in Idaho. There, Nakashima met a master woodcarver who tutored him in Japanese crafting techniques. From him, he learned to master traditional Japanese hand tools and joinery techniques. From here onwards, he began to use woodworking with discipline and patience, striving towards perfection in his designs. In 1943, he was released from the camp and invited by Antonin Raymond to live in his farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania. During this period, New Hope formed the home port for many great designers such as Phillip Lloyd Powell and Paul Evans. Nakashima was a very spiritual and philosophical designer. The basis of Nakashima's work was derived from his practice of integral yoga. Therefore, primary goal of Nakashima's work was to live in harmony with nature rather than to destroy it for their own use. Above all, Nakashima wanted to embody a message to all modern societies that we must constantly remember the eternal in all that we do. He often said of his own work that he gave trees a second life. His designs are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and are often 'signed' with dovetails and butterfly connections. With these ideas in mind, Nakashima created his own style based on Japanese designs and shop practices, combined with the American and International Modern Styles. Therefore, he became one of the best 20th century American Art furniture designers.

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