Rocking Chair
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Enfield Shaker Community
(American, 1792 - 1918)
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1830-1860
MediumMaple, rush
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width x depth): 38 1/2 x 16 3/4 x 25 1/8in. (97.8 x 42.5 x 63.8cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1963.16.3
DescriptionMaple rocking chair in the Shaker style, with a slat back, turned stiles, legs, and stretchers, and a woven rush seat. The back of the rocking chair is formed by three horizontal slats between two cylindrical stiles; each stile has an elongated, acorn-shaped finial on the top. Each slat has an arched top edge and a straight bottom edge. Below the seat, each stile forms a cylindrical back leg. Each front leg is cylindrical and has a rounded top that extends slightly higher than the rush seat, which is trapezoidal in shape. The front and both sides of the chair each have two plain turned stretchers connecting the lower portion of the legs. The back of the chair has one plain turned stretcher. Each side of the chair has a curved rocker that does not extend past the front leg.
Condition: The rush seat may be replaced.
Design and Construction Details: The slats are tenoned into the upper stiles; the top slat has a wooden pin through the back of each tenon. The cylindrical seat rails and stretchers are tenoned into the upper portion of the legs. Each rocker fits into a groove cut into the bottom of the legs on each side; each of these joints is secured with a screw through the bottom of the leg and the rocker. Narrow black lines circle the stiles and legs, marking the placement of the stiles, seat rails, and stretchers.
NotesHistorical and Style Note: The Shakers, also known as Believers, or the United Society of Believers in the First and Second Appearing of Christ, were a religious sect founded by Ann Lee in the 1770s. The Shakers constructed their own furniture, either for use or for sale, that is known for its simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship.Condition: The rush seat may be replaced.
Design and Construction Details: The slats are tenoned into the upper stiles; the top slat has a wooden pin through the back of each tenon. The cylindrical seat rails and stretchers are tenoned into the upper portion of the legs. Each rocker fits into a groove cut into the bottom of the legs on each side; each of these joints is secured with a screw through the bottom of the leg and the rocker. Narrow black lines circle the stiles and legs, marking the placement of the stiles, seat rails, and stretchers.
Historical Note: Although the object file does not indicate that this item originated in the Enfield Shaker Community, it is most likely from here as the Connecticut Historical Society would only have acquired this piece if it were from Connecticut, and the Enfield Community was the only Shaker community in the state. (Malley, 3/2/2004)
Status
Not on view
