Geroge Nakashima was an MIT-trained architect who described himself as a “Japanese Shaker" - an expression of his interest in creating unadorned, functional objects. He also believed in pursuing a revival of lost crafts and practices, like traditional Japanese joinery and the use of natural materials. Nakashima was able to maintain the sculptural lines and fine craftsmanship of his Straight-Backed Chair (1946) even at the mass production level. Manufactured by Knoll.