Moderne Gallery has been at the forefront of the market for George Nakashima’s works for the past 32 years.

A new exhibition and sale -- George Nakashima: Rare & Unique Works -- will be on display from May 12 through August 12, 2017 at Moderne Gallery, 111. N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA (215-923-8536) Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 12-5. www.modernegallery.com

George Nakashima: Rare & Unique Works is Moderne Gallery's eighth major exhibition of the vintage works of George Nakashima since 1989. Here co-directors Robert & Joshua Aibel once again demonstrate their commitment to developing and maintaining the highest level of knowledge and interest in the work of the legendary, influential Japanese-American master craftsman (1905-1990).

George Nakashima: Rare & Unique Works brings together an exceptional selection of chairs, dining tables, end tables, coffee tables, chests, desks, buffets, and benches. Approximately 40 pieces will be on display. Building on the Aibels’ encyclopedic knowledge of George Nakashima’s work, this show specifically draws attention to very rare and unique pieces that were designed by Nakashima throughout his career.

It is a special opportunity to see and purchase designs that have rarely or never been seen prior to this exhibit, all of which speak to the interaction and juxtaposition of the "natural" and "design" elements of his furniture.                            

“This show is the perfect expression of the ‘timeless elegance’ of the American Studio Furniture Movement in which we specialize,” says Joshua Aibel. “We expect that collectors will appreciate the quality and originality in our George Nakashima: Rare & Unique Works exhibit, as well as the enduring appeal of Nakashima's eye for great wood, innovative design and extraordinary craftsmanship."

Nakashima prices have consistently risen over the past 30 years. According to Robert Aibel, this is largely due to the fact that "Nakashima furniture is at once spiritually evocative, physically beautiful and highly functional. What was once primarily an American market, is now one of the most important and growing vintage markets internationally. Very rare and one-of-a-kind pieces are always in demand.”

Because of long-term relationships with collectors and museums, Moderne Gallery has become a prime source of information on Nakashima furniture and market trends. Moderne Gallery stocks the largest continuing selection of vintage Nakashima pieces, and is known for maintaining the integrity of the market, handling only authentic pieces with provenance. Within this, Robert and Joshua Aibel constantly search out the rare, unknown and unusual.

In addition, many years of collaborations with Mira Nakashima-Yarnall, George's daughter – “a superb designer in her own right," says Robert Aibel -- have led to a close and very rewarding friendship. "Like Mira, we hope that exhibits at the Moderne Gallery lead a larger audience to experience, understand and appreciate the legacy of George Nakashima."

As a testament to that commitment, an Opening Preview of the exhibit on the evening of May 12 will be a Fundraiser to aid in the completion of the long-awaited 90-minute documentary film, “George Nakashima, Woodworker,” directed by George’s nephew and long-time PBS producer/director/editor, John Nakashima.

Catered by Iron Chef Jose Garces, and co-sponsored by Moderne Gallery, the Rago Arts & Auction Center and the Nakashima Foundation for Peace, the Opening Preview and Reception will feature the screening of a 30-minute excerpt from the film, presented by the filmmaker.