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When did Shaker furniture start?

When did Shaker furniture start?

Shaker style furniture originated from the Shaking Quakers in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. It wasn’t for another few decades that mission style furniture began to emerge. Both styles originated in New England.

How do I identify my furniture Shaker?

Shaker furniture can be identified by its round wooden knobs, tapered legs and subtle curves. These features give shaker furniture its traditional, gentle look. While maple wood also seemed to be the wood of choice for most shaker pieces, many modern versions include pine, maple, cherry or other American woods.

What is the origin of Shaker style?

Shaker style cabinets and shaker style doors get their name from the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, more commonly known as Shakers. Originating from Manchester, this religious group was formed in the 18th century after breaking away from the religious group, the Quakers.

Why did the Shakers make furniture?

Deeply dedicated to ideals of communal living and asceticism, the Shakers designed and constructed furniture that reflected their belief that to make a thing well was in itself an act of prayer and their conviction that the appearance of a thing should follow upon its function.

How do I know if my furniture is antique Shaker?

Some Shaker chairs have a low, single-slat wooden back, which can conveniently slide under a table or hang on a wall when they are not in use. Look for antique specialty wooden chairs with rotating seats, tilting legs or rocking legs that can also indicate an authentic Shaker design.

When was Shaker furniture popular?

Many Shaker specialists consider 1820 to 1865 the “classical era” of Shaker furniture. After that, the pieces began to evolve, growing more colorful and even reflecting contemporary styles that can help to date them.

What year is Shaker style?

How much is Shaker furniture worth?

Early Shaker rockers that 10 years ago might have brought $800 or $900 are now bringing anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000, he explains. And sewing desks that a decade ago might have fetched from $5,000 to $9,000 are now in the $25,000 to $30,000 range.

What kind of ornamentation was used for Shaker chairs?

Rather than using ornamentation—such as inlays, carvings, metal pulls, or veneers—which was seen as prideful or deceitful, they developed “creative solutions such as asymmetrical drawer arrangements and multipurpose forms to add visual interest.” Furniture was made of cherry, maple or pine lumber, which was generally …