Shaker Candle Table c. 1937

This Shaker Candle Table was made by Lon Cronk sometime between 1855 and 1995, using wood. Look at the table’s simple, clean lines. Shaker design principles centered on utility, honesty, and the absence of ornamentation. Notice the slender, tapering legs and the flush drawer. These would have been achieved through hand-tool work like planing, turning, and joinery. Shaker furniture-making was more than just a trade; it was a spiritual practice. Shaker communities valued quality and durability. This isn’t just furniture; it’s a material manifestation of a communal belief system that promoted equality between men and women, pacifism, and purity. This table embodies Shaker commitment to efficiency, each element serves a distinct purpose with no excess. By emphasizing its process and social context, we begin to see how design can be intertwined with community, labor, and deeply held values.