Lambertville, NJ: Rago Auctions is selling a rare collection of Nakashima furnishings in exotic hardwoods as part of its 20th C. Design auction on March 2, 2014 at noon. This two-owner collection features a rosewood desk, East Indian laurel and hickory Conoid chairs, an East Indian laurel dining table and a rosewood office suite comprised of a file cabinet, double pedestal desk, wall case and a waste basket.   

The Japanese-American craftsman and architect George Nakashima (1905-1990) is a defining figure of the American studio furniture movement. From a compound in New Hope, PA, in a career spanning four decades, he created his signature organic works in wood - works that have become among the most coveted of American design.  

"Nakashima most often worked in walnut, and beautifully so, but it's the pieces made from exotic hardwoods that are prized above all by collectors and designers," said David Rago. "Our top ten auction records for Nakashima include some exceptional walnut pieces, but the top five, ranging from $180,000 to $288,000, are all exotic hardwoods."

The sale of the collection takes place as part of Rago's 20th C. Decorative Arts and Design auction on March 1 and 2. The online catalog can be browsed in its entirety as of February 13 at ragoarts.com. Print catalogs for the 20th C. Decorative Arts and Furnishings Auction will be available from February 13. The exhibition opens on February 22. For more information, please call 609.397.9374 or email info@ragoarts.com. 

Notes for the Editor

High-resolution images available.

About Rago Arts and Auction Center

Rago is a leading U.S. auction house with $30 million in sales in 2013. We serve thousands of sellers and buyers internationally with a singular blend of global reach and personal service. Rago holds auctions of 20th/21st c. design, fine art, decorative arts, furnishings, jewelry, militaria, coins and currency, Asian, historic ephemera, and ethnographic property.  A world-class venue through which to buy and sell, it offers valuations for personal property (from a single piece to collections and estates), appraisals, estate services, exhibitions and lectures in house and online. Rago is based in New Jersey, midway between Philadelphia and New York City.

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