Knoll

Introduced in 1946, the Straight Chair is George Nakashima’s modernist interpretation of the traditional Windsor chair. Featuring low-sheen finishes that amplify the natural grain patterns, the Straight Chair epitomizes Nakashima’s sensitivity to nature and his legendary craftsmanship.

Knoll George Nakashima Straight Chair History

Product story

Mixing Eastern and Western aesthetics, traditional and modern vocabularies, George Nakashima’s work defies typical categorization. He is one of the most recognized and celebrated craftsmen of the 20th century, known primarily for his handmade furniture and sensitivity to material.

In the early 1940s, Hans and Florence Knoll met Nakashima and, impressed by the simple elegance of his aesthetic, added a chair and three tables of his design to the Knoll catalog. The early orders were made in Nakashima’s own studio, before production was moved to East Greenville. The line was discontinued in 1955 when Nakashima opted to produce and market all of his designs himself.

In collaboration with George Nakashima’s daughter, Mira, and George Nakashima Studios, KnollSudio reintroduced the Straight Chair in 2008. Using three-dimensional scanning software, the Knoll Development Group created an exact replica of the handmade original.

George Nakashima

One of the most recognized furniture designers and makers of the 20th century, George Nakashima is celebrated for his traditionally-inspired designs and legendary craftsmanship. A major figure in the American craft movement, his furniture is recognized for its simplicity and for the careful attention to material qualities.

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