George Nakashima

together with an original design drawing by George Nakashima

Acquired directly from the artist by Tom Takubo, New York
Freeman's Philadelphia, November 17, 2002, lot 361

Overall very good original condition. This lot is a custom oversized variant of the “Kornblut” form. The two front doors, the four central panels to the reverse, and the base are all executed in a richly figured rosewood, showing strongly contrasting saturated colors. The coloration of the rosewood doors are even more saturated than they appear in the catalogue illustration. The exterior of the case is executed in series of figured walnut boards, which have retained many of the original qualities of the wood. The cabinet presents with a few very minor surface scratches, a few scattered minor edge nicks, all consistent with gentle use. The present condition of the work shows not only the care and attention of the Yurcik family, but also the earlier owners. There is a minor edge nick to the proper right outer edge of the walnut portion of the case, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The top surface of the case with a minor area of lightening to the proper left side that appears the result of minor sun fading. The interior is fitted with two original adjustable shelves and four wooden shelf pins. The cabinet presents beautifully in person, distinguished by cabinet’s impressive bold scale and superior wood selection. Both the walnut and the rosewood selected by Nakashima for this cabinet display an exceptionally rich and vibrant coloration throughout.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

IN CONTEXT:
My father studied and practiced architecture for many years before deciding to make furniture exclusively, and would not have designed as well as he did without this background.  He considered designing furniture identical to architecture, only on a smaller, human scale.

His work in both furniture and architecture embodied a respect for materials, especially wood, and he tried to use them all to their fullest potential, through inventive and often unorthodox methods of construction.  During his lifetime, he often spoke of giving new life to trees, and his creative development followed a path through several different cultures and philosophies.  He wanted his pieces to be treated as everyday functional objects, not as if they were precious possessions.

This form was introduced in 1975, when it was designed for its namesake, Dr. Kornblut. This custom “Kornblut” cabinet was made in beautiful East Indian Rosewood, which is no longer commercially available. 

— Mira Nakashima