The NAKA Chair is a quiet reinterpretation of George Nakashima’s iconic Conoid Chair, approached through a contemporary yet deeply respectful lens. More than a tribute, the piece becomes an exploration of balance, proportion, and material dialogue — where structure, craftsmanship, and restraint coexist in harmony.
Crafted from solid French walnut and American maple, the chair embraces the natural contrast between both woods. The deep warmth and richness of the walnut frame create a grounded architectural presence, while the pale maple spindles introduce rhythm, lightness, and visual tension within the backrest. This interplay of tones gives the piece a calm but unmistakable identity, where every element feels intentional and carefully composed.
Its construction openly celebrates traditional joinery and handcraft. The exposed connections and visible structural transitions are not hidden, but integrated into the visual language of the
chair itself. Subtle details within the joints reveal the precision of the making process and reinforce the chair’s sculptural character, allowing the construction to become ornament through honesty rather than decoration.
The proportions are deliberately low and relaxed, creating a seating posture that feels intimate and grounded. The gently reclined backrest, combined with the long horizontal seat plane and slender vertical spindles, generates a quiet architectural rhythm that recalls both Japanese woodworking traditions and modernist restraint. Every line feels calm, measured, and essential.
Despite its sculptural presence, the NAKA Chair remains deeply tactile and human. The warmth of the walnut, the softness of the hand-finished surfaces, and the visible grain patterns allow the material itself to become the central expression of the piece. Light moves softly across the contrasting woods, emphasizing depth, texture, and the subtle irregularities that belong only to handcrafted objects.
Primitive yet refined, minimal yet emotionally warm, the NAKA Chair exists as a meditation on proportion, craftsmanship, and material sincerity — a timeless object where structure, silhouette, and detail quietly speak for themselves.
Available in custom finishes.
