The Complete Shaker Collection refers to the various designs and types of furniture and household items created by the Shaker community in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Shakers were a religious group that believed in simplicity, utility, and communal living. They created carefully crafted furniture pieces and household items that were mainly used in their communities but have since become highly sought-after collectibles.
The Shaker design ethic is characterized by simplicity, subtlety, and functionality. Shaker furniture designs are recognized by their clean, simple lines, and lack of ornamentation or embellishment. They are also known for their use of high-quality materials such as cherry, maple, and pine, and for their skillful craftsmanship.
The Shakers were one of the first groups in the United States to utilize mass production techniques in their furniture making. They created standardized designs that could be produced quickly and efficiently, while still maintaining the high-quality standards of their craft. This approach enabled them to create large quantities of furniture and household items, which they could sell to support their community.
The Shakers also designed and created many unique household items, such as baskets, brooms, and oval boxes. These items were typically made from renewable resources such as ash and maple, and were highly functional and durable. The Shakers were known for their attention to detail and the care they took in every aspect of their craft.
The Complete Shaker Collection includes a range of furniture pieces, including chairs, tables, and cabinets. These pieces are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their timeless beauty and elegant simplicity. Some of the most popular Shaker furniture designs include the ladder-back chair, the trestle table, and the chest of drawers.
The ladder-back chair is a classic Shaker design that is recognized for its simplicity and elegance. It features a ladder-like backrest and a woven seat, and is typically made from either maple or cherry wood. The design is highly functional and comfortable, and is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
The trestle table is another popular Shaker design that is highly functional and versatile. It features a simple, sturdy frame with two or more trestles that support a top made of either solid wood or an extension leaf. This design allows for easy expansion of the table to accommodate larger groups of people, making it ideal for both family dinners and formal events.
The chest of drawers is another classic Shaker design that is highly sought-after by collectors. It features a simple, elegant design with multiple drawers that provide ample storage space. The Shakers were known for their use of high-quality materials, such as cherry and maple, in their furniture making, and this is evident in the beautiful finish of their chests of drawers.
The Shakers were also known for their unique oval box designs. These boxes were typically made from thin strips of maple, cherry, or ash that were soaked in hot water to make them flexible. The strips were then bent around a form to create the oval shape of the box. The boxes were highly functional, and were used to store a wide range of small items, such as sewing materials and spices.
In addition to their furniture and household items, the Shakers also created a range of textiles, including clothing, rugs, and coverlets. These textiles were highly sought-after for their durability and beauty, and were often made using natural fibers such as flax and wool.
The Shakers were known for their attention to detail and their dedication to craftsmanship. They believed that the act of creating something with their hands was a form of worship, and that every object they made should be made to the best of their abilities. This commitment to excellence is evident in the beauty and durability of the Shaker furniture and household items that have survived to this day.
The Shakers were also known for their communal living and their commitment to sustainability. They utilized renewable resources such as wood and water, and created systems to ensure that their community was self-sustaining. They were also known for their commitment to equality, and for their belief in the importance of education and hard work.
Today, the Shaker designs and principles continue to inspire designers and artisans around the world. The simple, elegant designs of Shaker furniture and household items are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and remain a testament to the timeless beauty of this unique religious community.
Posted by Popular Woodworking on 2009-05-04 16:54:49