Chair

The Shakers were a religious community that emigrated from England in the eighteenth century and were guided by the principles of honesty, simplicity, and practicality—qualities reflected in their furniture designs. Their works typically lack ornamentation, which was thought to be boastful and fetishize worldly goods. Instead, Shaker designs display an appreciation of raw materials and good craftsmanship.

This type of ladder-back chair was a core business for the Shakers. The rear feet are fitted with tilters, a Shaker invention that allowed the sitter to tip the chair backward without damaging the feet.