Ladder back rockers remain popular today.
The Shakers, originally known as the Shaking Quakers, established 19 official religious communities from Maine to Kentucky beginning in 1774. Many of these sites are maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Shaker Historic Trail. Although only one, Sabbathday Lake, is still active, the popularity of Shaker furniture endures. NPS says that the Shakers are still "universally admired for their architecture and handicrafts," including their comfortable yet simply designed rocking chairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Shaker Style Significance
Although few members of the church remain, outsiders who appreciate Shaker design continue to follow its principles. The National Park Service notes that Shaker design was based on "values of simplicity, utility and fine craftsmanship" as well as standardization of construction techniques. Lack of ornamentation is characteristic of all Shaker furniture, including the various styles of rockers attributed to the religious group. Shaker style became so influential, NPS says, that its principles eventually were advocated by architects such as the famous Louis Sullivan.
The Shaker Rocking Chair
The style of Shaker cabinetry was also plain.
FurnitureStyles.net says, "Of all the styles and forms of Shaker furniture history, Shaker chairs are almost certainly the most admired and famous" and are "much prized" by antique collectors. The sect began producing rocking chairs shortly after 1800, according to OldandSold.com. The rockers were popular because "they offered a welcome comfort not too common in chairs of the period." Although these chairs almost always featured a four-slat, ladder back, the design of their seats and armrests varied. They made their chairs and their other furniture form local and beautiful wood: maple, birch, chestnut, butternut and honey pine, according to the National Park Service.
Arm Rests
Although usually low, the armrests of Shaker rockers often differed. Some had "mushroom posts" at the front end of the arms---curved, wooden caps that helped peg a chair's arms to its legs. FurnitureStyles.net says that others had "scrolled or rolled arms, and in later times, cushioned arms." One design known as the "sewing rocker" was shorter and didn't have arms at all "to allow easy access to a sewing basket."
Seats and Colors
Similar to the Amish, Shakers believe in living simply.
OldandSold.com says that the first Shaker rockers had seats woven either of a reedlike material called splint, listing tape (a kind of cotton webbing) or cane. The listing tape was usually woven in a two-color, checkerboard pattern and sometimes was padded for greater comfort. While many of the early rockers "were painted a dark, flat red," OldandSold.com notes, staining and painting also varied over time. The innovative Shakers eventually devised a one-step process allowing them to dip an entire chair frame into stain.
Prices
In 1807, OldandSold.com says that Shakers sold their rockers to "outsiders" for about $1.50 each. Online sites selling antiques indicate it is possible to purchase some antique Shaker rockers for about $100. New rockers based on Shaker designs can be found for about $225. A 2001 article in "The Atlantic," titled "The Ergonomic Rocking Chair," indicated that rocking chairs all have one bit of history in common: they are "quintessentially American."
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