A new book by Mira Nakashima, the daughter of George Nakashima, one of the leading innovators of 20th century furniture, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the Nakashima furniture-making process and how he became a household name.

Featuring original sketches, the philosophy behind his masterpieces, along with family history, “The Nakashima Process Book” lights a path into what makes Nakashima furniture unique. Mira, a trained architect and Harvard graduate, has worked in the family business, based in New Hope, since 1970, and currently produces her father’s iconic designs as well as her own custom, hand-crafted furniture.

“The Nakashima Process Book” explores George and Mira’s devotion to discovering the inherent beauty of wood so that noble trees might have a second life as furniture. Nakashima Woodworkers’ process remains unchanged — embracing the unique qualities of wood to reveal the ‘soul of the tree’ and emphasizing the natural beauty of the wood grain and burl. 

“Making furniture is an act of faith—that the wood holds promise to become something beautiful, that the designer will bring it to its fullest potential, and the craftspeople will construct a piece that is both practical and aesthetic,” said Mira. “We created this book as a window into the design and craft traditions developed by my father.”

Nakashima will be appearing at the Frenchtown Bookshop on Sept. 23 to discuss her latest work and her father’s legacy.

Learn more about the Nakashimas and the new book at Nakashima Woodworkers.

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