Mira Nakashima, head of Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope, Pennsylvania, continues to craft furniture using methods and philosophies pioneered by her late father, George Nakashima, a revered figure in 20th-century American furniture design and the craft movement.
Founded by George Nakashima, the family business is rooted in a deep respect for wood’s natural characteristics. Mira describes the woodworking process as a “collaboration” between the wood and craftsman, where natural features such as knots, cracks, and irregular edges guide the final design. This approach reflects George Nakashima’s belief that good designs should remain timeless and not change with fleeting fashion trends.
George Nakashima (1905–1990) was an architect turned furniture maker, who retrained himself in woodworking during World War II while interned in an Idaho camp. Using available scrap materials, he crafted furniture for his family, adapting to circumstances that later influenced his signature style emphasizing the beauty of imperfect wood.
After their release from the internment camp, the Nakashima family settled in Pennsylvania, living initially in an army tent before establishing their workshop and home, now recognized as a national historic landmark. Mira began working full time at Nakashima Woodworkers in 1970 and took over the company after her father’s death in 1990.
Despite concerns about sustaining the business without her father’s presence—some clients canceled orders after George Nakashima’s passing—Mira successfully upheld the legacy, producing both her father’s iconic designs and original pieces. The company’s work remains labor-intensive and deliberate, with custom pieces typically requiring about a year to complete, primarily using walnut wood selectively sourced from trees others have discarded.
Mira’s grandson, Toshi, now a fourth-generation furniture maker at Nakashima Woodworkers, contributes to the family tradition. Mira emphasizes the lasting influence of her father, noting that his presence and principles continue to guide their decisions and craftsmanship.
Why it matters
The Nakashima Woodworkers embody a commitment to sustainable craft rooted in respect for natural materials, countering mass-production trends in furniture. Their work not only preserves a significant American design heritage but also highlights the enduring relevance of artisanal craftsmanship in contemporary markets.
Background
George Nakashima’s experience as a Japanese-American during World War II, particularly his internment, shaped his approach to woodworking and later established him as a pivotal figure in the American craft movement. His belief in honoring wood’s natural traits challenged conventional industrial furniture design and laid the foundation for a business sustained across generations.
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