New Chair, 1955
George Nakashimaexpand_more
Walnut and hickoryexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by William Perreaultexpand_more 2013.29.811
Not on Viewexpand_more
With their spindled backs, contoured seats, and lathe-turned legs, Nakashima’s chairs reference American vernacular furniture, the rustic designs of the colonial era. The New Chair emphasizes simple construction, functional form, and the trees that provided the wood—American black walnut for the seat, legs, and top rail; hickory for the spindles. These characteristics are shared with the furniture of the early 1900s Arts and Crafts movement, seen in this gallery, as well as Scandinavian modern design.
The influence of Japanese furniture can be seen in the visible construction and open, modern forms. Nakashima traveled to Japan and studied with a Japanese craftsman while in an internment camp in America during World War II.
Details
- Title
- New Chair
- Artist Life
- 1905–1990
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.811
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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