Customer Reviews

Nature Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I attended an auction a few weeks ago and a fabulous 16 foot long George Nakashima bench from the Dana house in Chilmark, MA sold for $20, 000. This peaceful item intrigued me and I wanted to learn more about this modern master. Just in time to quench my curiosity, Nature, Form, and Spirit: Abrams published The Legacy of George Nakashima. Lavishly illustrated with archival photos of the family home, vintage catalogs, working drawings, plus new photos of classic pieces this oversized hardcover is a great addition to your library.

Written by his daughter Mira, Nature, Form, and Spirit showcases Nakashima's sparse strong furniture as well as his architecture. Vital, collectable, and contemporary Nakashima's furniture is memorable for its simple designs hewn from monumental pieces of wood. Represented in museum collections around the world Nakashima was declared a national treasure by the Japanese Emperor in 1983.

Although he is deceased, the Nakashima legacy continues as Mira Nakashima continues to produce her father's bold and original designs. If they are within budget check out http://www.nakashimawoodworker.com. If you can't afford a piece of this masters furniture then the next best thing is owning this gorgeous book.

I've had the pleasure of working with several pieces of Nakashima's over the years and agree that he's left a true legacy. "Nature Form and Spirit" is a good description of his work.

This particular book focuses more on his completed works than on his philosphy and craft but his artistry shines through in every photo. The text is clear and very readabale and it's easy to tell that his daughter has picked up the same spirit as her father.

This is gorgeous book that anyone - whether woodworker or not - would enjoy.

This is a superb book on George Nakashima, written by his daughter. It is a good complement to "Sould of a tree" written by Nakashima himself. While "Sould of a tree" looked at the furniture, "Nature form & Spirit" starts with the life of Nakashima and how he came to design all his furniture and the houses. It is not a technical book, but it gives an interesting insight on the philosophy and thinking process behind the designs. Much more than a coffe table book, an inspiration for all woodworking lovers

A national treasure who earned his way. The story of George Nakashima is written by his daughter Mira and we learn something about her as well. He was cutting edge and integrated the functionality with the zen of spirit. A samurai of wood?

I have heard about him for many years, and he is honored in America and Japan. He wanted furniture to be functional, and able to be lived with. He was the first to embrace the whole tree, which I try to remember whenever I work with wood.

As I have mentioned in other reviews I appreciate the skill but also the philosophy and spirit.

We also learn that Mira is now in her own element, and the experiences of growing up with Mr. Nakashima that educated her by experience.

This was a gift to our son. He was thrilled to receive it and will continue to enjoy it for many years to come. He is a wood worker and is interested in all sorts of books about wood working and wood workers.

I just marvel at the grace and dignity of George and his work. The story of his life is just as interesting as his life's work. I do home remodeling and occasionally have the chance to make a piece of custom furniture for a client. I find his accomplishments truly amazing.

My husband has been wanting this book for a long time; it was recommended to us by an old friend of Nakashima. We've always loved his work, that which is at the Metropolitan Museum and also the arboretum library in Minneapolis, completely furnished with Nakashima's work. The book was no disappointment; we loved it. Truly he understood "the soul of a tree."

A great book about a even greater designer,
don't over look this one.