A set of eight circa-1941 dining chairs by George Nakashima, constructed of one of his favorite materials, black walnut; each is complemented by a seagrass-covered seat.
Over the last decade Chicago's Wright auction house, one of the premier venues for modern design, has helped establish and define the collectable market. Since 2000 the auction house has sold over 20,000 lots of modern pieces—from a $2,300 George Nelson Ball Clock in 2000 to Pierre Koenig's Case Study House #21 that went for $3,185,600 in December of 2006. With an upcoming auction simply titled "Modern Design" on March 23rd we selected the items on which we would like place our bids.
This solid walnut piece features a stout pedestal with three drawers with inset handles; Nakashima designed it to be positioned on either the left or the right, depending on the user's need. The top is composed of three boards, with the center piece carrying a very dynamic grain. The floating end is supported by a pair of simple spindle legs. The desk was recently restored by Mira Nakashima and is in excellent condition.
Distinguishing itself as a hand-shaped, hand-sanded chair in a world of mass-produced seats, Corvo and its American walnut curves are one of a kind.
A pair of Model 6380 chrome-and-leather chairs by George Nelson, circa 1962. The manufacturer's label appears on the underside.
