George Nakashima (American, 1905-1990) Set of Three Straight Chairs for Knoll

Circa 1940, Knoll Associates Inc., birch, curved crest rail with spindle back, shaped plank seat, turned splayed legs with stretcher support, labeled.

28 x 21.5 x 17.5 in.

Private Collection, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

George Nakashima and Knoll had a significant collaborative period in the mid-1940s, where Nakashima designed furniture for Knoll Associates, including the iconic Straight Chair and Splay Leg Table. This partnership introduced Nakashima's work to a wider audience and helped establish him as a key figure in the American craft movement. While Nakashima valued handcrafted techniques, working with Knoll allowed him to explore the potential of combining craftsmanship with industrial production.

Seats with some surface scratches and wear from use; one chair with some joint looseness at spindles; likely later glue to underside at leg joints; all appear structurally sound.