Mira Nakashima b. 1942
Since 1990, Mira Nakashima has furthered the legacy of her father, the preeminent American woodworker George Nakashima, whilst standing on her own as an artist. It was in that year, upon her father’s death, that Mira, a gifted craftsperson in her own right, took charge of the studio her father established in the 1940s. Since then, she has produced his classic and traditional lines while extending the family tradition through her own design solutions.
Mira studied Architecture Science at Harvard and, at her father’s urging, went on to earn a graduate degree at Waseda University in Japan. After graduation, she returned to her family home and accepted a part-time job working for Nakashima Studios. Apprenticing under her father taught Mira that, even for creative people, there is a certain amount of discipline and repetitive learning required to master one’s craft. Though George Nakashima was a man of few words who rarely praised her work, Mira was never discouraged. She understood that her father’s philosophy valued the common goal over the personal: a direct contrast to the Western culture’s celebration of the ego.
Embodying this philosophy, Mira, a master of her craft, has not been concerned with making her own brand. She sees her work as a continuation of her father’s, feels his presence in the studio, and continues to honor his legacy with Nakashima Studio designs. Mira’s respect for her history and heritage, coupled with her artistry, has carried Nakashima Studio into the 21st century.
Auction Results Mira Nakashima
Mira Nakashima
Exceptional Sanso table
estimate: $25,000–35,000
result: $60,000
Mira Nakashima
Monumental Custom bench from the Hyatt Corporate Offices, Chicago
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result: $40,000
Mira Nakashima
Exceptional Sanso table
estimate: $27,500–37,500
result: $31,250
Mira Nakashima
Conoid dining table
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $25,600
Mira Nakashima
Fine Conoid dining table
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $23,750
Mira Nakashima
Conoid chairs, set of eight
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $22,500
Mira Nakashima
Set of six Conoid chairs
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $16,250
Mira Nakashima
Conoid chairs, set of six
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $15,000
Mira Nakashima
Minguren I coffee table
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $14,300
Mira Nakashima
Set of eight Conoid chairs
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result: $13,750
Mira Nakashima
bookstand
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $12,500
Mira Nakashima
Conoid desk
estimate: $8,000–12,000
result: $12,500
Mira Nakashima
Minguren desk
estimate: $7,500–10,500
result: $11,250
Mira Nakashima
Minguren II dining table
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $11,250
Mira Nakashima
Gabellini ottoman
estimate: $2,500–3,500
result: $10,880
Mira Nakashima
Gabellini ottoman
estimate: $2,500–3,500
result: $10,880
Mira Nakashima
Set of six Conoid chairs
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result: $10,000
Mira Nakashima
Trestle dining table
estimate: $9,000–12,000
result: $9,100
Mira Nakashima
Bench with Back
estimate: $6,500–8,500
result: $8,125
Mira Nakashima
Special Bryfogel table
estimate: $6,500–8,500
result: $7,500
Mira Nakashima
Kornblut cabinet
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $7,500
Mira Nakashima
Conoid Lounge Chairs, pair
estimate: $4,000–6,000
result: $6,875
Mira Nakashima
New Chairs, set of four
estimate: $1,800–2,400
result: $5,625
Mira Nakashima
Pair of Conoid armchairs
estimate: $4,000–5,000
result: $4,688