George Nakashima papers, 1950-1991

Nakashima, George K., b. 1905 d. 1990
Architect, Furniture designer
New Hope, Pa.

Collection size: 1.0 linear ft.

Collection Summary: Biographical material, correspondence, subject files, writings by and about Nakashima, and printed material relating mostly to Nakashima's work as a furniture designer, and to his involvement with the followers of leader Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose, 1872-1950).

Correspondence, arranged chronologically, 1950-1990, relates mainly to furniture commissions, exhibitions, and architecture projects, much of it letters of appreciation from customers; Other files of correspondence are arranged under the headings awards, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Japanese letters, Sri Aurobindo, Soul of the Tree, and Vasant Merchant, and contain some printed material. Subject files are on architect Alfred Caldwell, flush toilets, and Nakashima's trademark. Printed material includes exhibition announcements and catalogs, furniture catalogs, and clippings.

Biographical/Historical Note: Architect, craftsman, woodworker, furniture designer; New Hope, Pa.; d. 1990. Nakashima was trained as an architect, and while working in the Japanese office of architect Antonin Raymond, studied the Japanese techniques of carpentry. From 1937-1939, he lived in India and studied under Sri Aurobindo.

Donated 1991 by Marion Nakashima, widow of George Nakashima.

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