Throughout his lifetime, George Nakashima received numerous accolades for his innovative architecture, furniture design, and contributions to the American craft movement. Our collection contains medals from the various honors, including the following:
American Institute of Architecture General Excellence in Architecture School Medal (1929)
Awarded as a student at MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1930)
Awarded when completing his graduate degree in Architecture
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Craftsmanship Medal (1952)
Nakashima received this medal at the 84th Annual Convention of the AIA in New York for high standards of craftmanship in furniture design.
Architectural League of New York Silver Medal of Honor in Design and Craftsmanship (1960)
Awarded for excellence in design, appropriateness of concept, and materials expressed in his furniture and showroom in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Catholic Art Association Medal (1969)
Given to Nakashima in recognition that “normal work combines truth to form with goodness for use,” achieving a sense of holiness through craftsmanship.
Order of the Sacred Treasure (1983)
Awarded by the Emperor and Government of Japan in recognition of Nakashima’s efforts to promote cultural exchange through exhibitions held in Japan from 1968 to 1988.
Bronze Medal of Honor from the Nationals Arts Club (1989)
This award was bestowed “…for love and ability in woodworking.”