Collections
The Nakashima Foundation for Peace permanent collection is a rich assortment of objects, books, and archival materials that explore the life and legacy of George Nakashima, his daughter and successor Mira Nakashima, and the extended Nakashima family.
Our archives include photographs, architectural drawings, film, and letters connected to the history of George’s business, the Peace Altar project, and the family’s experiences being incarcerated during World War II. It also provides insight into the relationships the Nakashimas had with well-known figures such as Isamu Noguchi, Morris Graves, Buckminster Fuller, Mildred Johnstone, George Tsutakawa, and other artists and visionaries.
The object collection includes vintage George Nakashima furniture, fine and decorative art, textiles, tools and furniture templates, personal belongings, as well as the innovative buildings and built-in cabinetry that George built on the premises between 1946 until the 1970s. It also includes works collected from friends and colleagues such as Ben and Bernarda Shahn, Harry Bertoia, Masayuki Nagara, Dorothy Grotz, and Toshiko Takaezu.
Join us as we highlight some of our favorite finds on a regular basis. If you’d like to learn more about the collection or make a research appointment, please contact info@nakashimafoundation.org
Kevin’s Rocking Horse, 1957
Walnut, Dogwood, Locust, Leather, and Raffia When Kevin was around 3 years old, Dad decided to make Kevin a rocking horse. He put together some rough rockers and legs from the chair department and found a piece of wood that had a natural nose and mouth for a head....
Nakashima Family Christmas Cards
Each year, the Nakashima family designed and made a handmade block print Christmas card to send out to their family and friends. Before Kevin was born in 1954, Mira made many of the linocut designs. When Kevin was old enough, he took over the project and released new...