woven cane seat; three wooden rungs on chair back; two sphere-like finials on chair back; pairs of horizontal rails on front, left and right-between chair legs; only one horizontal rail between back chair legs

Shaker side chair, c. 1840

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

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.

Details
Title
Shaker side chair
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2008.41.6
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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woven cane seat; three wooden rungs on chair back; two sphere-like finials on chair back; pairs of horizontal rails on front, left and right-between chair legs; only one horizontal rail between back chair legs