We've all encountered those n...
We've all encountered those nasty clocks & decoupaged wall plaques, fewer of us have seen a piece of Nakashima furniture in the flesh, so we transpose the impression
i think this is the truest statement i have read on this forum cause that is the first impression that i formed.
I Have only seen one Nakashima table up close and like i said before it was beautiful,
but for the most part i just am not about the Organic
outdoors in my indoors,
That is where i separate with some of Bruce Goff and Frank Lloyd Wrights ideas, I love the exterior of both architects its the indoors that turns me off.
i just like my furniture well designed ( just me and my opion) but no one can deny that this auction piece is a valuable piece of art.
I like your analogy, w-h-c, a...
I like your analogy, w-h-c, and it causes me to consider genesis, among other things. I'm wondering about the mass production/proliferation of the lamps you speak of in the 70s and 80s, and think that it must have been fairly directly borne of an admiration for those original Tiffany lamps coupled with a price point notoriety from record auction prices, etc.
The clock example I think presents an interesting difference: the mass production of those pieces not Nakashima inspired but more likely spawned of the petrified wood/polished rock phenomenon, or the "found object" period of design.
I'd guess that most of the folks who made all those clocks had likely never seen - in photographs or otherwise - a piece of Nakashima furniture. And much of the furniture one typically finds being erroneously defined now as Nakashima influenced is quite the same: almost always an end table, something "natural" or "organic" one simply slathers with varnish and bolts four legs underneath (three if you're more creative). Invariably empty and laughable stuff, absolute crap nearly, tree stump tables or clocks made out of saw blades, and the like.
Funny how you will occasionally find some otherwise rather very thoughtful person trying to reduce Nakashima to all that.
While unquestionably subtle, it would be an extreme understatement to suggest that a precise construction, among other things, is not clearly evident in Nakashima's work.
The astronomical prices that certain Nakashima examples bring - along with a steady publication of results - will undoubtedly keep those millions of clocks and tables alive and drawing comparisons, which fortunately has over time an odd way of making the distinctions (and the distinguished) even more pronounced than they are already.
That said, no question there are amazing studio artisans among us who may have been deeply influenced by Esherick, Nakashima, etc., and who have/are producing outstanding pieces of furniture. The current trend at the auction houses will likely make the works of several individuals more prominent than they were previously, some who may even be extremely good at what they do. None who will be Nakashima.
The Arlyn table has a special story.....
I know I posted this video before, but in light of this discussion, I would be good to watch it again. The Arlyn table is not just any ordinary Nakashima table (if that is even possible). The story behind the Arlyn table is why it is so precious.
Click the link below.
http://www.sothebys.com/video/privateview/nakashima/index.html
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