Chair, Rocking
Spindle-back rocking chair with splint seat, Hancock, MA
ca. 1800
Description
Rocking chair that began life as a side chair. Maple posts, stretchers, back rails and spindles. Spindles are turned and split to form half-rounds. Seat of hickory splint. Rocker blade additions are elm. Unusual pommel. Originally painted (dark red?).
Notes
Rieman and Burks postulate that this is an early chair incorporating worldly style in the baluster spindle back but also the characteristic Shaker pommel finials.
Reference: Rieman, Timothy D. and Jean M. Burks. The Complete Book of Shaker Furniture. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1993. p. 143, fig. 67.