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Noguchi table

The Noguchi Table is an iconic sculptural coffee table designed by Japanese-American artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi in 1947 and produced by the American furniture company Herman Miller.^[1]^[2] Featuring a freeform 3/4-inch-thick plate glass top supported by two curved wooden legs that interlock to form a self-stabilizing tripod base, the table measures 15-3/4 inches in height, 50 inches in width, and 36 inches in depth, blending organic form with functional simplicity.^[3] Available in base finishes such as walnut, black walnut, white ash, and white oak, it exemplifies mid-century modern design principles, where art and everyday utility converge without visible hardware.^[3] Noguchi's design emerged from a complex personal and professional history, rooted in his early 1940s experiments with biomorphic furniture forms inspired by surrealism and natural shapes.^[4] In 1942, while voluntarily interned at the Poston Relocation Center in Arizona following the U.S. internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Noguchi learned that British designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings had appropriated and mass-produced an earlier prototype of his table without credit or compensation.^[2] Motivated by this betrayal, Noguchi refined a variant upon his release in late 1942, creating the interlocking base to prevent disassembly and tipping—a practical innovation born from frustration.^[5] This revised model caught the attention of Herman Miller's editorial director George Nelson, who featured it illustratively in his 1947 article "How to Make a Table" for Architectural Forum, leading to its commercial launch the following year.^[1] Widely regarded as Noguchi's most successful foray into furniture—contrasting his primary legacy in sculpture, public gardens, and stage sets—the table has remained in continuous production, reissued in 1984 with authenticity markers like Noguchi's etched signature on the glass and a medallion on the base.^[5] Its enduring appeal lies in the illusion of weightlessness created by the glass top floating above the elegant, interlocking wooden supports, making it a staple in modern interiors for homes, offices, and museums worldwide.^[4]

History and Development

Conception and Early Prototypes

In 1939, Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi conceived the design for a custom biomorphic coffee table at the request of A. Conger Goodyear, the president of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.^[6]^[7] This piece marked Noguchi's initial foray into functional furniture that blurred the boundaries between sculpture and everyday utility, reflecting his broader artistic practice of transforming ordinary objects into abstract forms.^[4] The table was intended as a sculptural element for Goodyear's weekend home in Old Westbury, New York, embodying Noguchi's vision of organic, flowing shapes that evoked natural movement.^[8] The early prototype featured a freeform, kidney-shaped glass top measuring approximately 83 inches in length, supported by a stack-laminated rosewood base carved into interlocking biomorphic elements that formed an elegant, S-like configuration for stability.^[6]^[9] This design drew inspiration from surrealist principles and organic forms, with the curved, interlocking supports mimicking fluid, abstract shapes reminiscent of surrealist sculpture and natural contours.^[7] Noguchi's approach emphasized minimalism and balance, using the wood's natural grain and the glass's transparency to create a sense of weightlessness and harmony between materials.^[10] Noguchi's intent with this prototype was to integrate sculptural aesthetics into practical design, influenced by his Japanese heritage and fascination with Zen gardens' serene, asymmetrical compositions as well as abstract art movements.^[11]^[4] As a sculptor experimenting in the late 1930s, he sought to elevate commonplace items like tables into artistic statements, a pursuit rooted in his cross-cultural background and exposure to both Eastern minimalism and Western modernism before the disruptions of World War II.^[10]^[12] This 1939 creation laid the foundational concept for what would become an iconic piece, showcasing Noguchi's innovative fusion of form and function during a pivotal phase of his career.^[5]

World War II Challenges and Refinement

As World War II escalated, Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American artist based in New York and thus exempt from Executive Order 9066, voluntarily entered the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona on May 8, 1942, to document conditions and advocate for improvements among the interned Japanese Americans.^[13] His aim was to foster community through arts and crafts programs, as well as designs for recreational spaces like parks and gardens, in an effort to create a more humane environment despite the camp's harsh, barren setting.^[14] Noguchi remained for approximately seven months, facing suspicion from both authorities and fellow internees, before securing a military furlough and leaving on November 12, 1942.^[14] Compounding the disruptions of internment, Noguchi discovered in 1942—while at Poston—that British designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings had appropriated his 1939 prototype for a biomorphic coffee table without permission or compensation. Robsjohn-Gibbings, who had solicited the design for his firm, instead mass-produced a near-identical version in the early 1940s and advertised it widely, effectively stalling Noguchi's own path to commercialization amid the war's uncertainties.^[2] This theft not only delayed Noguchi's efforts but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of independent artists during wartime, forcing him to reclaim his intellectual property through later refinements. The internment profoundly shaped Noguchi's design philosophy, instilling a sense of resilience in adapting to adversity with limited resources and emphasizing themes of harmony and organic flow as countermeasures to fragmentation.^[15] These influences carried into his post-war work, particularly the 1947 collaboration with George Nelson at Herman Miller, where Noguchi adapted the original prototype for mass production by refining the biomorphic base—curving and interlocking wooden elements for enhanced stability and scalability while preserving its fluid, natural form.^[5] This iteration transformed the table from a singular sculpture into a viable furniture piece, embodying Noguchi's evolved vision of resilient, harmonious design.^[15]

Design and Construction

Materials and Components

The Noguchi table features a minimalist construction comprising just three primary elements: a freeform glass top and two interlocking pieces of solid wood that form the base. The base is crafted from curved wooden elements designed to evoke organic, sculptural forms, with the wood selected for its natural grain and warmth to blend seamlessly with living spaces.^[3]^[16] Originally produced in 1947 with a walnut wood base, early variations included birch and cherry woods, though birch was phased out by 1954 and cherry limited to the initial production run. Subsequent options encompassed ebonized walnut (also known as Noguchi Black), white ash, and natural cherry, with walnut remaining a perennial choice for its classic appeal. As of current offerings, the base is available in walnut, ebonized walnut, white oak, and white ash, each finished to highlight the wood's inherent beauty while ensuring durability.^[17]^[18]^[3] The tabletop is a single sheet of clear plate glass in an asymmetrical, biomorphic shape, measuring 3/4-inch (19 mm) thick in modern iterations to balance weight and transparency. Initially specified at 7/8-inch (22 mm) thickness upon launch, the glass was thinned in 1965 to reduce manufacturing costs without compromising the design's ethereal quality. This transparency allows the base's fluid curves to remain visible, enhancing the table's sculptural presence and drawing the eye to Noguchi's biomorphic inspiration from nature.^[19]^[3] The base components consist of two identical wooden pieces that interlock to create an effective tripod support with three curved legs positioned at precise angles for stability. Assembly is facilitated by dowel rods and indexing pins, a refinement introduced in the late 1980s to improve precision and ease of setup during production. Noguchi's material choices—durable yet lightweight wood paired with unadorned glass—prioritize harmony between form and function, transforming everyday furniture into an artistic statement.^[20]^[16]

Structure and Engineering

The Noguchi table features overall dimensions of 15.75 inches (40 cm) in height, 50 inches (127 cm) in width, and 36 inches (91 cm) in depth, providing a low-profile silhouette suitable for coffee table use.^[3] These proportions contribute to its sculptural presence, with the elongated rectangular glass top measuring approximately 50 by 36 inches and the base spanning a similar footprint for balanced support. An early 1944 example in the Museum of Modern Art's collection measures slightly less in height at 15 5/8 inches (39.7 cm), reflecting minor refinements in production over time.^[21] The table's structure comprises three primary elements: a 3/4-inch-thick (19 mm) plate-glass top and two interlocking curved wooden base pieces that form an asymmetric tripod.^[16] This biomorphic base creates the illusion of three organic legs through its fluid, surrealist-inspired curvatures, with the wood elements precisely joined without visible fasteners to achieve seamless integration.^[3] The design's engineering emphasizes weight distribution and self-stabilization, where the interlocking supports distribute load across three contact points with the floor, preventing wobble and ensuring the cantilevered glass extends beyond the edges without compromising equilibrium.^[22] This innovative configuration supports up to 200 pounds evenly distributed, demonstrating the table's functional durability despite its apparent fragility.^[23] The precise curvature and material interplay not only defy conventional gravity perceptions but also maintain aesthetic harmony, blending art and engineering in a form that remains stable under typical use. Post-war refinements facilitated mass production while preserving this core structural integrity.^[3]

Production and Availability

Initial Manufacturing and Herman Miller

Following the appropriation of an earlier prototype by British decorator T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings without credit, Isamu Noguchi collaborated with George Nelson's design team at Herman Miller in 1947 to refine and finalize the table's biomorphic form.^[5] This partnership marked a pivotal moment, leveraging Herman Miller's expertise in modernist furniture production to bring Noguchi's sculptural vision to market. The table was first produced and commercially released in 1948, establishing it as a cornerstone of mid-century modern design. Produced from 1948 until around 1973, it was reissued in 1984 and has remained in production since.^[5]^[12] The original manufacturing process emphasized a balance between artisanal craftsmanship and industrial efficiency, with the base handcrafted from interlocking pieces of solid hardwood—typically walnut or ash—shaped to interlock seamlessly without fasteners.^[5] The top consisted of a machine-cut, 3/4-inch-thick plate glass in a freeform organic shape, beveled for safety and aesthetics.^[3] The table's simple three-part construction was intentionally designed for scalability, allowing Herman Miller to ramp up assembly as resources stabilized without compromising the organic integrity.^[5] From its debut, the Noguchi table was sold exclusively through Herman Miller's authorized showrooms and dealers, targeting architects, designers, and discerning consumers in the United States.^[5] This distribution strategy underscored its status as a premium piece, with early marketing highlighting its fusion of art and function. Key milestones in the initial era included its feature in George Nelson's 1947 Architectural Forum article "How to Make a Table," which showcased the table's engineering as an exemplar of innovative form.^[1] To combat growing reproductions, Herman Miller introduced an authenticity medallion bearing Noguchi's signature on the base's underside starting in the 1980s, ensuring verifiable provenance for subsequent productions.^[3]

Modern Reproductions and Variants

Herman Miller has continued manufacturing the Noguchi Table into the 21st century, incorporating updated materials such as ebonized walnut for the base to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal while maintaining the original design integrity.^[24]^[25] As of 2025, each table ships with detailed assembly instructions for the three-piece construction, allowing for straightforward setup at home or in professional settings.^[20] Authentic pieces are backed by Herman Miller's 5-year warranty.^[26] In Europe, Vitra has produced licensed reproductions of the standard Noguchi Table since 2002 under an exclusive agreement with the Isamu Noguchi Foundation, ensuring fidelity to the original specifications while adapting for regional markets.^[12]^[27]^[28] The table's iconic status has led to widespread unauthorized copies, often produced without licensing and varying in quality, which flood online marketplaces and furniture retailers.^[29] Authentic originals can be identified by manufacturer medallions, such as engraved plaques from Herman Miller or Vitra labels etched into the glass or base, along with serial numbers for verification through the producers.^[30]^[31] As of 2025, genuine Noguchi Tables are available globally through authorized channels, including the Herman Miller website and showrooms in North America, as well as Vitra's European network and international distributors.^[24]^[28] Prices for originals typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 USD, depending on the wood finish and regional taxes, with walnut versions often at the higher end due to material costs.^[32]^[33]^[34]

Cultural and Design Significance

Recognition and Iconic Status

The Noguchi table has been celebrated in major design institutions since its inception, underscoring its pivotal role in modernist furniture. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York acquired an example of the Coffee Table (model IN-50) in 2002, where it remains part of the permanent collection, reflecting its recognition as a seminal work of organic design.^[21] Similarly, the table has been on permanent display at The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, New York, since the institution's opening in 1985, highlighting Isamu Noguchi's enduring contributions to sculpture and functional objects.^[35] Early accolades further cemented its status, including its feature in George Nelson's influential 1947 article "How to Make a Table" published in Architectural Forum, where a variant of the design illustrated innovative approaches to furniture construction.^[5] Design historians have since recognized the Noguchi table as a modernist masterpiece, praising its seamless integration of biomorphic form and practicality.^[12] As an iconic piece, the table frequently appears in popular culture and high-end interiors, including references in the television series Mad Men as emblematic of mid-century modern aesthetics.^[36] It graces celebrity homes featured in publications like Architectural Digest and has commanded significant prices at auction. Notably, the Noguchi table stands out as one of the few furniture designs by the artist to achieve mass-market success through production by Herman Miller, ensuring its widespread availability and lasting popularity. It is also held in collections such as the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany.^[5]^[37]

Influence and Legacy

The Noguchi table exemplifies Isamu Noguchi's philosophy that sculpture and art should integrate into everyday life, serving as a vital force for harmony between humans, nature, and industry.^[38] This ethos is evident in the table's seamless fusion of sculptural form and functional utility, where the biomorphic wooden base and glass top transform a simple coffee table into an accessible piece of modern art.^[10] By prioritizing organic shapes and minimalism, the design influenced broader trends in mid-century modern furniture, promoting biomorphic elements that emphasized fluidity and natural inspiration over rigid geometry.^[39] As a product of Noguchi's post-World War II career, the table symbolizes Japanese-American resilience amid the internment of over 120,000 individuals during the war, reflecting the artist's own voluntary entry into a relocation camp to advocate for humane conditions.^[40] Noguchi's work, including this piece, highlights Asian contributions to Western modernism by bridging Eastern aesthetics with industrial production. It shares themes of cultural synthesis and natural harmony with the organic woodworking of contemporary Japanese-American designer George Nakashima.^[41]^[42] The table's legacy endures in contemporary furniture design, where its curved, interlocking base continues to inspire organic and sculptural forms in mass-produced pieces that prioritize artistic expression alongside practicality.^[18] Through partnerships like Herman Miller's production since 1947, it advanced the mass manufacturing of high-design objects, democratizing sculptural furniture for wider audiences and influencing educational curricula that explore the interplay of art, utility, and cultural identity.^[43] In design programs, it serves as a case study for blending abstraction with functionality, as seen in university woodworking projects and museum-led student initiatives that recreate its innovative structure.

References

[1]
Designer Isamu Noguchi - Herman Miller
His relationship with Herman Miller came about when a design of his was used to illustrate an article written by George Nelson called “How to Make a Table.” It ...
[2]
The Story of the Noguchi Table That Almost Wasn't - Dwell
Jan 14, 2015 · Before Isamu Noguchi created the classic 20th-century furniture item, the Japanese American sculptor was imprisoned at an internment camp.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
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Noguchi Table Product Details
### Specifications and Summary for Noguchi Table
[4]
The Secret History Of The Noguchi Table - Fast Company
Dec 16, 2014 · The story of the Noguchi Table begins in 1939, when Noguchi designed a rosewood and glass table for A. Conger Goodyear ...
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Noguchi Design Story - Accent Table - Herman Miller
“Anybody can make a three-legged table.” The “variant” that Noguchi designed was used to illustrate an article, written by Herman Miller designer George Nelson ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
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Artwork: Table for A. Conger Goodyear - The Isamu Noguchi Archive
Nov 6, 2019 · Table for A. Conger Goodyear ... 1939 ... Rosewood, glass ... 28 3/4 x 83 x 34 3/8 in. (73 x 210.8 x 87.3 cm) ... Not inscribed ... Current Collection.
[7]
Table Meets Sculpture | Sotheby's
May 18, 2021 · It is one of only three known biomorphic coffee tables sculpted by the artist, each having a different type of marble, a spun aluminum bowl, and ...
[8]
Design moment: Noguchi coffee table - Homes To Love
Feb 27, 2018 · The president of New York's Museum of Modern Art, A Conger Goodyear, asked sculptor Isamu Noguchi to design a coffee table for his weekender in Long Island.
[9]
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The Goodyear Table, for A. Conger Goodyear, Old Westbury, New York. Estimate. $2,000,000 - 3,000,000.
[10]
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Jul 5, 2014 · ... Surrealist and Japanese influence. ... In Kyoto he first saw the Japanese pottery and Zen gardens that would greatly influence much of his work.
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[13]
[PDF] SELF-INTERNED, 1942 - The Noguchi Museum
Isamu Noguchi voluntarily entered an internment camp in Poston, Arizona. As a New York resident,. Noguchi was exempt from the government's evacuation orders.
[14]
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Mar 15, 2017 · The modernist sculptor voluntarily entered one of the many incarceration camps for Japanese Americans, and it was an experience that deeply impacted him.
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Jan 19, 2017 · During World War II, Noguchi voluntarily interned himself to try to improve conditions for his fellow Japanese-Americans, despite being personally exempt.
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Noguchi Coffee Table, Walnut
In stock 14-day returnsThe Noguchi table, created in 1944, has a glass top, two interlocking wood base pieces, and measures 15.75 x 50 x 36 in. It costs $3,013.00.
[17]
Iconic Designs: Isamu Noguchi's Coffee Table | Houzz IE
The very first tables were produced in birch, walnut and cherry by Herman Miller. ... The Noguchi table rests somewhere between the worlds of sculpture and ...
[18]
The Untold Origin Story of Isamu Noguchi's Iconic Table - Chairish
Nov 13, 2024 · Isamu Noguchi's table was born out of a unique blend of artistic vision and functional design. Created in 1947, this table was a collaboration ...
[19]
Glass Top Coffee Tables: Does Your Noguchi Need a Facelift ...
... 7/8-inch or ¾-inch thick, plate glass. Our custom fabricators can easily handle both types. Speaking of which, if you have a replica Noguchi table and want ...
[20]
[PDF] HermanMiller The Collection Noguchi® Table Assembly Instructions
2.1 Place the glass top on the legs in position as shown. 1.1 Insert dowel rod in the legs as shown by lining up 3/16 diameter-pins with slots in legs. This ...Missing: indexing | Show results with:indexing
[21]
Isamu Noguchi. Coffee Table (model IN-50). 1944 - MoMA
Medium: Birch, glass, aluminum dowel ; Dimensions: 15 5/8 × 50 1/4 × 35 7/8" (39.7 × 127.6 × 91.1 cm) Component (.a): 3/4 × 50 1/4 × 35 7/8" (1.9 × 127.6 × 91.1 ...
[22]
Noguchi Table – Black Base - Design Warehouse
In stockThe ¾" thick glass rests on two interlocking supports, creating stability without fasteners. Dimensions: 15.75” H 50" W 36" D, Weight: 155 lbs. **Need help ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
[23]
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The original Noguchi Table balances delicacy with sturdy, solid-wood construction in an understated yet unforgettable icon. The signature interlocking wood ...Missing: refinement George
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Noguchi Table - Herman Miller
The Noguchi Table, designed by Isamu Noguchi, is an occasional table with a balance between art and furniture, featuring a sculptural form and everyday ...Design Story · Pro Resources · Product Details · ImagesMissing: history | Show results with:history
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[27]
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This archival presentation highlights the history of the folded aluminum table originally designed by Noguchi in 1957 and its lasting influence on his ...Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[28]
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Oct 18, 2023 · An archival display highlighting the history of the aluminum table originally designed by Noguchi in 1957 and its lasting influence on his practice.
[29]
Real Vs Repro How To Spot An Authentic Noguchi Coffee Table
The original Noguchi table features a 19mm thick glass surface with polished edges and organic, asymmetrical shaping. Real Noguchi Table Glass: 19mm (3/4 inch) ...Missing: change 1965
[30]
The (not so) secret history of the Noguchi Table - Utility Design
Nov 13, 2024 · Conger Goodyear, president of the Museum of Modern Art, Noguchi created his first table – a custom coffee table now known as the Goodyear Table.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
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How do I tell if a Noguchi table is genuine? - Questions & Answers
Apr 5, 2022 · To authenticate a Noguchi table, first look for the signature of Isamu Noguchi on the table's edge and base. Next, check the wood to see if it's made of solid ...Missing: unauthorized | Show results with:unauthorized
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Where to Buy Noguchi Coffee Tables (and Affordable Alternatives)
Oct 22, 2024 · So, how much does one of these stunners cost? A Noguchi coffee table at Herman Miller today will set you back $2,595, which may seem lofty, but ...
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Isamu Noguchi, Coffee Table IN-50 for Herman Miler, 1944. Two black. Original Collection. Coffee Table (IN-50). 1944. Glass, Wood.Missing: Orsay 1959
[38]
Mid-Century Mania: Get the Mad Men Inspired Look - Chairish Blog
Mar 26, 2015 · Furniture manufacturers and interior designers quickly began to capitalize on the trend and names like Eames, Noguchi, and Nelson rose to fame.
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Oct 27, 2021 · Noguchi believed sculpture could be 'a vital force in our everyday life', as a way of creating harmony between humans, nature and industry.
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Father of the famed Noguchi coffee table, this Japanese-American artist was a powerhouse of midcentury design that continues to define the style today.
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Jan 31, 2017 · Kathleen Massara on the Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi and his experiences as a detainee at an internment camp during the Second World
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Oct 14, 2020 · Working first with scrap wood and then with offcuts from a local lumberyard, Nakashima developed a style that celebrated nature's imperfections.<|separator|>
[43]
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Oct 5, 2023 · Nakashima's designs were heavily influenced by both Shaker and Japanese aesthetics and philosophies, in particular his use of the spindle back, ...
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Jul 4, 2022 · Design icons: Isamu Noguchi's coffee table is where art and function meet · In the fertile world of post-war art, when commissions flowed freely ...