Shaker side chair c. 1840

wood

round frame

circular oval feature

natural tone

pottery

organic shape

furniture

wood background

stoneware

united-states

wood

round circular shape

animal photography

mechanical engineering model

This Shaker side chair, created around 1840, is a fine example of Shaker craftsmanship. Known for their simple, functional designs, the Shakers valued utility and aesthetics, creating furniture that is both beautiful and practical. The chair's distinctive cane seat and tall, slender back highlight the simplicity and elegance inherent in Shaker design. The chair's straight lines and smooth finish are characteristic of Shaker furniture. The use of natural materials, like wood, reflects the Shaker philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This chair was used by brothers and sisters in the Shaker community of Enfield, CT (1793-c.1918). Similar to chairs from other Shaker communities, like Canterbury, New Hampshire and Harvard, Massachusetts, this object is almost entirely comprised of lathe-turned posts and stretchers and has noticeably graduated rear slats. The slight slant to the legs allows one to lean back in the chair, supported by rear tilts or ball-and-socket feet at the bottoms of the rear stiles, a distinctively Shaker feature.