The present lot is a bespoke commission designed by Mira Nakashima and executed by George Nakashima Woodworkers in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The workshop was started by George Nakashima in the 1940s as a reactionary movement against 20th century ‘modern’ architecture, design and art. In his practice, he called for a reclamation of the philosophy of earlier historical periods and reverence for the aesthetically striking woods used in his works.

Since George’s death in 1990, the workshop has been led by his daughter Mira who applies the same instinctive approach to design as her father did. Having been part of the business since the 1970s, she keeps his legacy alive through old and new designs as well as specific commissions. Talking about her practice in 2013, she explained that "When we get stuck, we ask ourselves, 'What would George have done?". With the choice of wood at the heart of all her commissions, Mira’s personal approach to design conveys her profound love for nature and aims to instil a sense of natural beauty and harmony to the pieces she creates. American Black Walnut is a favourite timber however special pieces, such as the present lot, incorporate other woods with exceptional figure, specifically redwood root burl which had been carefully selected and stored at the workshop by George Nakashima himself.