George Nakashima Floor Lamp, 1961
Description
George Nakashima floor lamp, American black walnut, USA, 1961
George Nakashima, the American artist and sculptor born to a Japanese family in Spokane, WA, crafted this floor lamp in his workshop in 1961. Blending modern minimalism with traditional craftsmanship, it reflects his reverence for wood as a living material. The cylindrical shade, cantilevered from a hand-selected walnut base, merges clean form with natural texture. Walnut’s grain contrasts with the soft glow of Mino Washi paper, a translucent mulberry paper rooted in Japanese tradition. Inspired by Gifu’s paper lanterns, the design remains uniquely Nakashima.
The wood is bent with precision into smooth curves, flowing into a base with raw, unfinished edges. The linear shade complements the grain, a deliberate shift from ornate styles. Guided by his Japanese heritage and architectural background, Nakashima let wood’s imperfections shape each piece. This lamp stands as a timeless example of his design philosophy—modern, restrained, and deeply crafted.
Dimensions
Height: 60.23 in (153 cm)
Width: 14.17 in (36 cm)
Depth: 14.76 in (37,5 cm)
Diam: 13.97 in (35,5 cm)
Height paralume: 20.47 in (52 cm)
Design
1961
Manufacture
1960-1969
Material
American black walnut and fabric
Condition
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