George Nakashima 'Hi Boy' Chest of Drawers in American Black Walnut

George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Hi Boy' chest of drawers, American black walnut, United States, 1970

With regard to its essential form, material use, and woodwork, this Hi Boy commode is testimony to George Nakashima's expert craftsmanship and distinctive methodology. This tall cabinet was specially designed for a private client in 1970. It reflects Nakashima's philosophy of celebrating the natural beauty of wood, an approach that sought to honor the material's inherent characteristics rather than obscure them. Additionally, the chest showcases Nakashima's dedication to craftsmanship, with a design that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and respect for natural form. The drawers are characterized by a vivid grain pattern that accentuates the organic lines and rich tonal variations of the walnut. The recessed, integrated drawer pulls create a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the wood’s natural beauty to remain the focal point. The base is comprised of two horizontal slats inserted perpendicularly into the frames. While serving a functional purpose, the exposed dovetail joints also contribute a notable decorative quality. 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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