George Nakashima 'Slab' Coffee Table in English Walnut

American woodworker and designer George Nakashima demonstrates his mastery of craft with this quintessential coffee table. Created as a custom piece in 1964, the table is designed to celebrate the unique character of the wooden slab that forms its top. Executed in English walnut – a rarely used material within his practice – the table emphasizes the distinctive character of the slab through its free-flowing edges. The grain is more subtle and the tone of the wood is more even, giving it a more serene expression. The top itself is also more linear compared to other pieces by Nakashima, which often feature more pronounced organic edges. Therefore, the top merges elegantly with the base’s stark simplicity.