"Nakashima: A Design Survey”  discusses the evolution of the Nakashima workshop, from George Nakashima’s early work in Japan, India, Seattle, the camp in Minidoka, Idaho to Raymond Farm and the first shop in New Hope.  She will describe the Krosnick fire replacement project in 1990, with a postscript about the work taking place at the Nakashima workshop under Mira’s direction today. 

George Nakashima (1905-1990) is one of the 20th century’s master craftsmen, whose works in wood are prized internationally and whose philosophy of design continues and evolves today in the gifted hands of his daughter, Mira Nakashima.  Among many awards from the AIA and other prestigious institutions, George Nakashima received the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Emperor and Government of Japan in 1983 and Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus from the University of Washington in 1990. His last show in the U.S., the retrospective "Full Circle" which opened at the American Craft Museum in New York in 1989, marked him as a "Living Treasure" in the United States.  

Since 1990 Mira has extended the tradition of the George Nakashima Studio not only by producing the classic and traditional lines, but by continuing the evolution of new design solutions in the Keisho Collection. In Japanese, “keisho” translates as continuance or succession. Through this line, Mira, working with fellow craftsmen, some of whom were trained by her father, begins with the methods and techniques he embraced and the wood he collected over many years.

The talk takes place during preview week for Rago’s 20th/21st C. Design auctions, to be held on March 2 and 3, 2013.

The auction house opens on Thursday, February 28 at noon. A reception begins at 5 pm. Mira Nakashima will speak at 6 pm.

RSVP to 609.397.9374 ext. 119 or raac@ragoarts.com. If you are unable to RSVP in advance, please join us if you can. All are welcome.

TO THE EDITOR

High resolution image available on request.

About Rago Arts and Auction Center

Since 1994, Rago's has served thousands of sellers and buyers with a singular blend of global reach and personal service. Originally specialists in 20th century design, today Rago's expertise covers centuries of fine art, decorative arts, furnishings, jewelry and ethnographic property.  It is a world-class venue through which to buy and sell. It is also a destination for those who seek to learn and share knowledge about art, antiques and collecting, offering free valuations for personal property (from a single piece to collections and estates), appraisals and auction exhibitions in house and online. Rago's, the largest and leading auction house in New Jersey, is located midway between Philadelphia and New York.

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