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George Nakashima Captain's Chair in Walnut

Creator: George Nakashima
Offered by: Hobbs Modern

Description
George Nakashima Captain’s Chair
Wood: Solid Walnut
Joinery: Complex hand-fit mortise & tenon
Provenance: Includes original studio receipt
Details: Original owner's name inscribed underneath

A Study in Precision and Poetic Craftsmanship
This original Captain’s Chair by George Nakashima is a striking example of the master’s command of form, detail, and material. Hand-built from solid walnut, the chair exudes warmth and integrity, with a timeless silhouette that blends Shaker simplicity with Japanese sensitivity.

The sculpted armrests are a technical marvel—complex joinery joins the curved arms seamlessly into the backrest, revealing Nakashima’s mastery of structure and subtle angles. Each spindle hand-carved, showing slight variation and organic shaping that speaks to the human hand. Faint pencil markings remain throughout, especially at the spindle joints—traces of the meticulous layout and care taken during its original construction.

The underside of the chair bears the original owner’s name in pencil, further reinforcing its authenticity and personal provenance. A digital copy of the original Nakashima Studio receipt is included with the purchase.

The Nakashima Legacy
With its graceful proportions and uncompromising craftsmanship, this Captain’s Chair represents Nakashima at his best—where function meets quiet poetry. Built in his New Hope, Pennsylvania workshop, this piece reflects the designer’s reverence for natural materials, traditional joinery, and the inherent beauty of imperfection.

This is not just a chair—it’s a part of American design history.

Dimensions:
Condition: Excellent original condition with minor wear consistent with age. Pencil markings preserved.
Origin: New Hope, Pennsylvania
Designer: George Nakashima
Date: Mid-20th Century

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Period:	1950-1979
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	819640

Message from Seller:

FURNITURE SHOULD BE FUNCTIONAL ART, YOUR HOME SHOULD BE THE PERFECT RETREAT. Hobbs Modern is the premier mid century modern furniture dealer in San Diego, CA. We hand-select and curate each piece of our inventory which represents the iconic and exemplary Danish, American, and Brazilian vintage modern design with a relentless pursuit of restoration perfection and historical accuracy. Our passion is to breathe new life into vintage pieces. We ship nationwide.