A large-scale, live-edge walnut bench in American black walnut, made by studio woodworker Gino Russo in the 1970s. Gino Russo was an Italian immigrant who came to America during World War II and immediately began working for George Nakashima Studios in the early 1960s. After honing his craft, Gino left Nakashima Studios and started his own studio outside NYC.
This piece pays true homage to George Nakashima with a little bit of Gino's individual flair injected into the design. The stunning live edge seat showcases breathtaking wood grain and curvilinear form. The backrest is equally as striking, featuring a similar live edge slab with subtlety contrasting butterfly. The backrest also functions as a floating sculpture, showcasing the beautiful figural character of the wood. That said, the bench may be used free floating in a space as a room divider-bench hybrid. It also looks beautiful up against a wall, and would even be great paired with a large dining table.
The bench has been gently refinished and oiled and is in absolutely stunning condition with some very light age appropriate wear.