George Nakashima English Walnut Free-Edge Room Divider on Granite Base, 1955

George Nakashima English Walnut Free-Edge Room Divider on Granite Base, 1955
Rare and unique English walnut room divider / sculptural slab, designed for the collection of Robert and Dorothy Friedlander, February 26, 1955.
The original Nakashima drawing, dated February 26, 1955 and marked “Friedlander,” identifies the work as a large English walnut room divider, #760, noting the highly figured walnut, free edges on both sides, and natural opening in the slab.
The slab has powerful vertical presence, with irregular natural edges, rich figuring, fissures, and organic openings that reflect Nakashima’s celebrated philosophy of honoring the soul of the tree. The rough granite stone base gives the piece weight, stability, and a strong sculptural presence.
Provenance: Robert and Dorothy Friedlander Collection
Drawing Reference: Friedlander drawing, February 26, 1955, room divider #760
Dimensions:
Total height with granite stone base: approximately 89.75 in.
Wood slab height: approximately 77.5 in.
Wood slab width: approximately 30 in.
Granite stone base: approximately 32 in. W x 30 in. D x 12.25 in. H
Condition:
Original fine vintage condition, with natural variations, fissures, irregularities, and surface character inherent to the live-edge walnut slab and granite stone base.
A powerful and unusually sculptural work, combining architectural scale, natural material presence, and the quiet sensitivity central to Nakashima’s practice.