T H E N C E B Y D E S C E N T
Seattle
Photography by Erik Sven
01 about
Thence By Descent (TBD) is a Seattle-based consultancy and source for collectible furniture, lighting, and objects, with a focus on designs by George and Mira Nakashima. TBD is the Pacific Northwest's only source for authentic, handcrafted Nakashima works. Founded by Mark Tan, Thence By Descent’s mission is to:
Spark an obsessive appreciation for
heirloom-quality design.
Prior to relocating to Seattle in 2017, Mark lived in New York City for 18 years, where space limitations forced him to ruthlessly edit, curate, and prioritize, guided by principles around craft, form, function, quality, materials, and history. The pieces he treasured most were those with interesting provenances — particularly those passed down through generations within a family (“thence by descent”).
Thence By Descent advocates a sustainability-forward approach to procurement as a local source and by helping clients acquire heirloom-quality designs intended to be preserved for future generations.
Whether you are an established architectural or design studio, a seasoned collector, or simply wandering with a curious eye, Thence By Descent embraces your interest and is here to help spark an obsessive appreciation for fine design.
02 furniture
Inspired Interiors
London home (Anish Kapoor)
Conoid Bench, Conoid Cushion Chair
Photo: David Grandorge and Helene Binet
Napa Valley estate (by Groves & Co.)
Sled-Based Coffee Table
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Napa Valley estate
(by Groves & Co.)
Classic Cushion Chair, Greenrock Ottoman, Minguren II Coffee Table
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Carla Ridge, Beverly Hills home (by Lucas)
Coffee Table, Conoid Chair
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Galerie Half display (by Trevor Cheney)
Minguren IV Dining Table, Grass-Seated Chair
Photo: Rich Stapleton
Pasadena home (Cameron Smith)
Round Cluster-Base Dining Table, Grass-Seated Chair
Photo: Billal Taright
Los Angeles home (Maria Sharapova)
Grass-Seated Chair
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Pacific Island residence
Quadruple Sliding Door Cabinet, New Chair
Photo: Christie's
Thom Browne Milan store (by ASA Studio Albanese)
Grass-Seated Chair, Conoid Bench, Conoid Chair
Photo: Cortili
Tadao Ando Los Angeles home (Lorenzo Hadar)
Low Triple Sliding Door Cabinet, Asa-No-Ha Table Lamp, Mira Chair
Photo: Yoshihiro Makino
Napa Valley estate
(by Groves & Co.)
Conoid Cushion Chair, Plank Headboard, Platform Bed, Groves Nightstand
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Brooklyn apartment (by Gabellini Sheppard Associates)
Conoid Desk, Lounge Chair Rocker with Freeform Arm
Photo: Paul Warchol
Napa Valley estate (by Groves & Co.)
Conoid Chair, Sunset Dining Table
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Los Angeles home (Sean and Lizzie Rad)
Conoid Dining Table as a desk
Photo: Sam Frost
West Village Manhattan penthouse (Michael Kors)
Amoeba Set
Photo: Francois Dischinger
West Village Manhattan penthouse (Michael Kors)
Minguren II Coffee Table
Photo: Francois Dischinger
Morentz Gallery display at the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF)
Chest of Drawers - Hi Boy
Photo: Morentz Gallery
Maytor Place, Beverly Hills home (by Marmol Radziner)
Triple Sliding Door Room Divider Cabinet
Photo: Alex Zarour
Gramercy Manhattan townhouse
(by Ashe Leandro for Rashid Johnson)
Slab I Coffee Table
Photo: Stefan Ruiz
Ibiza residence (by Laplace)
Minguren II Coffee Table
Photo: Matthieu Salviang
VR House, Netherlands (by Nicolas Schuybroek Architects)
Conoid Chair
Photo: Matthieu Salviang
05 consultation
Thence By Descent offers personalized consultation services for clients seeking exceptional design pieces by American studio craft woodworkers, George and Mira Nakashima. With a deep understanding of Nakashima’s craftsmanship and design philosophy, we assist in sourcing one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality furniture that not only meets your aesthetic and functional needs but also your financial investment objectives. Our services include:
Personalized Research and Sourcing: We leverage our expertise and understanding of the network to identify Nakashima pieces that align with your specific needs (and obsessions), whether you are seeking a classic work such as the Conoid chair or a rare masterpiece.
Curated Selection: Drawing from a curated selection of collectible pieces, we offer options that hold both historical interest and enduring value. Each item is chosen for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and potential to appreciate over time.
Value Guidance: Beyond sourcing, we provide advice on the provenance, condition, and market value of each piece, ensuring that your investment aligns with both your lifestyle and financial objectives.
Seamless Procurement Process: Our service ensures a smooth and discreet procurement process, managing every detail from research and brokerage to final delivery and installation as needed, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new purchase.
Thence By Descent’s tailored consultation services are designed to support your next strategic acquisition.
06 contact
Mark Tan
Founder and Director
(917) 916-4666
info@thencebydescent.com
By Appointment Only
Please schedule an appointment to explore the pieces listed online in person at our gallery studio in Downtown Seattle.
