Mira Nakashima Secures Her Father's Furniture Legacy

The 84-year-old daughter of renowned woodworker George Nakashima continues his mission of crafting soulful, humble wooden furniture.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 11:06pm

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Mira Nakashima, the 84-year-old daughter of legendary woodworker George Nakashima, has carried on her father's legacy of creating distinctive, nature-inspired furniture at the family's workshop in New Hope, Pennsylvania. After George's death in 1990, Mira has overseen the production of around 800 pieces per year, maintaining the company's reputation for high-quality, handcrafted designs that have become coveted by design enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

Why it matters

Nakashima furniture has gained significant cachet in recent years, with pieces commanding high prices on the secondary market. Mira's stewardship has been crucial in preserving the brand's reputation for quality and authenticity, even as demand has surged. Her efforts to honor her father's design philosophy and craftsmanship have ensured the Nakashima name remains synonymous with thoughtful, understated elegance in the world of high-end furniture.

The details

Mira Nakashima, an architect by training, took over the family business after her father's passing in 1990. She has maintained the company's focus on using salvaged and reclaimed wood, a philosophy that was central to George Nakashima's approach. The workshop, located on a quiet road in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, produces around 800 pieces per year, a rate that has remained relatively consistent since George's death. Mira personally oversees the selection of wood, the design process, and communication with clients, ensuring the company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

  • George Nakashima moved to New Hope, Pennsylvania, after being released from the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho in 1943.
  • George Nakashima established his furniture studio in the 1940s and gained recognition for his distinctive, nature-inspired designs.
  • George Nakashima passed away in 1990, at which point his daughter Mira took over the family business.
  • In 2020, Mira's younger brother, Kevin, passed away after battling congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

The players

George Nakashima

A renowned 20th-century woodworker who established the Nakashima Woodworkers studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and is known for his distinctive, nature-inspired furniture designs.

Mira Nakashima

The 84-year-old daughter of George Nakashima, who has overseen the Nakashima Woodworkers studio since her father's death in 1990, continuing his legacy of crafting high-quality, handmade furniture.

Kevin Nakashima

Mira Nakashima's younger brother, who passed away in 2020 after battling congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Soomi Hahn Amagasu

The sales and public-relations manager at Nakashima Woodworkers, and Mira Nakashima's daughter-in-law.

Toshi

Mira Nakashima's grandson, who is currently working at the Nakashima Woodworkers studio.

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What they’re saying

“You always wonder what the tree went through and why it did what it did when you're looking at the lumber. Just knowing that there's a story behind it makes it much more interesting.”

— Mira Nakashima

“The pieces aren't loud in their color or pretense or scale, but they are very powerful in their individuality.”

— Michael Bargo, New York City-based interior designer

“It's very easy to immediately identify a work by Mira, based on just the expressiveness of the wood, versus her father's work, which can sometimes be a bit more restrained. I think collectors are really leaning into that, and I don't see them necessarily being limited by the fact that it's by Mira and not by George. That divide is narrowing.”

— Jodi Pollack, Sotheby's chairman and co-worldwide head of 20th century design

“I think Mira's goal is not how to make a revolution but 'How can I evolve?' An evolution pays a lot of respect to what took place before. Think about it as a tree. She's another branch. If she's teaching other people and there are other followers of her, those will be more branches and they will become leaves.”

— Quy Nguyen, Cofounder of Manhattan vintage design gallery Form Atelier

What’s next

Mira Nakashima is considering putting her shares in the Nakashima Woodworkers studio into a trust for the employees, allowing them to continue the company's legacy of crafting high-quality, handmade furniture.

The takeaway

Mira Nakashima has played a crucial role in preserving and evolving her father George Nakashima's renowned furniture design legacy, ensuring the Nakashima name remains synonymous with thoughtful, nature-inspired craftsmanship that has captivated design enthusiasts and the fashion elite alike. Her commitment to honoring the company's values and mission has allowed Nakashima Woodworkers to thrive in the face of changing times and tastes.