George Nakashima – What I Learned from Him as a Woodworker

This might get a little long because of how much I feel for him, but I’d be grateful if you could read to the end.

Who is George Nakashima?

Source: Nature Living

George Nakashima (1905–1990) was a Japanese-American furniture designer and one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century design.

He was heavily influenced by Japanese Zen philosophy and the cultural tradition of respecting wood, creating numerous pieces that honored the natural grain and form of the material.

During World War II, Nakashima experienced internment as a Japanese American in the U.S. but emerged from this period with a unique design philosophy.

His iconic pieces like the Conoid Chair and Minguren Table are known for their simplicity and harmony with nature. Although Nakashima passed away in 1990, his workshop continues to operate under his family’s stewardship, keeping his legacy alive worldwide.

How I Discovered Nakashima – It All Started with a Book

I first learned about Nakashima while working at Japan Book Distributors KK, my previous job in imported book sales. This was around 1980. One day, among the new arrivals from a publisher, I found a book titled ‘The Soul of a Tree’.

Flipping through its pages, I saw furniture unlike anything I’d encountered before, and I remember being captivated, thinking, “So, there are pieces like this out there.” However, since I wasn’t fluent in English, I couldn’t fully understand the content.

Still, I couldn’t get the book out of my mind, so I asked an English-speaking colleague to summarize the main points for me. Over time, I began reading it myself with a dictionary in hand. A few years later, a Japanese translation was published, and I finally understood the entire book. The excitement I felt at that moment is unforgettable.

A Passion for Craftsmanship – The Path to Woodworking Began in Childhood

In truth, I have loved making things since childhood. Wood was easy to work with, and I often built toy cars and planes on my own.

The first time I made something resembling furniture was at age 15—a shelf for my belongings. By 18, I had even crafted a wooden bag. When I started living alone, I made furniture for my apartment, and woodworking gradually became part of my daily life.

So when I encountered Nakashima’s work, it felt like a resonance deep within me. I remember feeling, “I’ve finally found what I was meant to see.”

The Decision to Quit My Job – Inspired by Nakashima’s Way of Life

“Creating everything exactly the way I envision it.”
This phrase encapsulated why Nakashima began making furniture.

When I read those words, I was 30 years old. As I continued my corporate life, I started feeling like “I’m not cut out for a salaryman’s life.” Encountering Nakashima’s way of living made me think, “I want to live like this.”

This became a major turning point that led me to quit my job and pursue furniture making.

Imitating Nakashima’s Work – A Journey of Trial and Error

When I lived in Matsumoto, I tried making a table leg inspired by Nakashima’s coffee table. A woodworker I knew at the time said, “That’s an unusual leg design,” but I had no idea what was strange about it.

After moving to Tokyo, another woodworker told me, “Nakashima’s chairs are for display—they wobble if you sit on them.” Perhaps the difference in humidity between Japan and America loosened the joints, or maybe the person simply couldn’t retighten them during repairs.

To me, however, Nakashima’s furniture was not just functional but a form of art.

Experiencing Nakashima’s Creations – Lessons from Direct Encounters

When Nakashima held an exhibition at Odakyu in Shinjuku, I visited repeatedly. I would wait for moments when no staff were around to touch the furniture, open the doors, and check the undersides.

Later, through a mutual acquaintance, I visited someone who used Nakashima’s furniture daily. Feeling the weight and texture directly reinforced my admiration for Nakashima’s greatness.

The owner had bought piece after piece, wanting more.
I remember thinking, “I hope someday I’ll have customers like that.”

My Favorite Nakashima Piece

If I had to choose one, it would be the Conoid Chair. The cantilevered structure fascinated me, and detailed plans were even available.

When creating original furniture, even if there’s a model, you eventually refine it into a form that satisfies you.

I studied the Conoid Chair extensively in my mind, thinking about how I could create something like Nakashima. However, I realized that someone like me could not surpass such a masterpiece simply by imitating it.

The Day I Learned of Nakashima’s Passing – A Sense of Release

When Nakashima passed away in 1990, I distinctly felt “a weight had been lifted.”

Until then, I had mentally “consulted” with Nakashima as I made furniture. Whenever I faced design dilemmas, I would imagine what Nakashima might do.

But after his passing, that inner dialogue faded.

It felt like waking from a dream, and from then on, I created furniture freely, following my instincts.

I began trusting my own senses to guide my work.

Lessons from Nakashima – The Impact on My Work

Nakashima’s work is filled with unconventional ideas that defy common sense.

One example is the beauty of book-matched tables, which had a profound impact on me. Nakashima taught me that “the beauty of joining two pieces of wood can surpass that of a single perfect slab.”

It showed me the harmony that can emerge when nature and craftsmanship meet, influencing my approach to furniture design ever since.

Nakashima likely studied furniture from all over the world, but his ability to create something entirely original was extraordinary.

I, too, strive to pursue originality.
I have no desire to copy or replicate others’ designs. For me, staying true to my unique style is essential.

Conclusion – The Spirit of Craftsmanship I Learned from Nakashima

Nakashima taught me more than just how to make furniture. He gave me the inspiration to discover the “joy of creating something with my own hands.”

Even today, his influence is evident in my work. “Never create the same as others.” This remains my guiding principle.

At Hayasta, we craft furniture that honors the warmth of wood. Through our creations, we hope to share the beauty and joy of craftsmanship with you.

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