GEORGE NAKASHIMA (American 1905-1990) A WALNUT DOUBLE CHEST OF DRAWERS, MID 20TH CENTURY, the studio crafted rectilinear chest with a rectangular top with two blind drawers above six drawers centering recessed rectangular handles, raised on vertical plank form legs. NOTE: Staying true to his spiritually inclined philosophy and mission to give the soul of a tree a second life through his designs, George Nakashima rejected the use of veneers, metals, and synthetic materials when designing and crafting his pieces. His philosophy served him well, earning him the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government and Emperor of Japan, and the Gold Medal For Craftsmanship from the American Institute of Architects. This double chest of drawers embodies Nakashima's ideals, with it's purist dovetail construction visible on the case's edges and top surface, as well as the single boards used across the two columns of drawers to insure the wood's grain remains uninterrupted. For more on Nakashima's artistic philosophy, see: G. Nakashima, "The Soul of a Tree: A Woodworker's Reflections," Kodansha International, 1988; E. Soz, "George Nakashima, Woodworker 1905-1990," American Woodworker, No. 16, September - October 1990, pg. 60. A virtually identical Nakashima double chest was offered by Sotheby's New York, 27 March 2009, Lot 39 for $12,000-$18,000; another sold by Rago Auctions, 12 April 2008, Lot 9 for $14,000; and another by Christie's New York, 17 June 2010, Lot 175 for $6,000. Special thanks to Chahan Minassian for designing the exhibition celebrating the craftsman's 110th birthday year, "George Nakashima: Back in Paris," on view September 11-16, 2015 at Piasa in Paris. Height: 32" Width: 60" Depth: 20"