Modern: Grass-Seated Chair

George Nakashima created a new version of the Grass-Seated Chair during his time in Ahmedabad’s National Institute of Design in 1964. Along with creating a strong, yet lightweight piece of furniture by combing technology with craftsmanship, he also formulated his own definition of modernism.

The Grass-Seated Chair reflects traditional Japanese woodworking methods. The simpleness of the design can be seen in its backrest supported by finely structured stiles and curved semicircular top-rail. The rectangular seat is woven using twine made out of natural grass. The chair is supported by four slender legs that comprise a H-shaped stretcher. The dowel construction work on the joints skirting the seat is deliberately made visible and parallels Nakashima’s philosophy pf exposing structure in design.