Rocking Chair

United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (“Shakers”)

1820–50 · Maple, birch · The American Wing

Previously reserved for the elderly and infirm, rocking chairs became ubiquitous in America after the Revolution. The Shakers produced slat-back rocking chairs both for their own use and for sale to the outside world. On this example, the oval finials, round hand grips, and shaped blades suggest it was made in the New Lebanon, New York, community.

Artist

United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (“Shakers”)

Date

1820–50

Medium

Maple, birch

Culture

American, Shaker

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Friends of the American Wing Fund, 1966