Rare, One-Door Hanging Cabinet
Hancock, MA | c. 1860
Cherry, butternut, pine, iron, brass, and porcelain
Original stain and varnish surface
27 ¼ h. x 21 w. x 11 ½ d. inches
Provenance:
George E. & Gladys C. Jordan Collection, Epping, NH, who acquired the Cabinet directly from the Hancock, MA, Shaker community
Hazel Hayes, Somers, CT
Karl Mendel, Long Island, NY
Gene Faul, Sheffield, MA
Exhibited: The Shakers, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Hartford, November 1975.
A rare beauty, this Hanging Cabinet is the work of the Shaker community in Hancock, Massachusetts. It is comprised of a cherry case with a butternut flat panel door—two hardwoods that, mortised together, create a striking visual effect. The applied step moldings that frame the butternut panel and the top of the case are classic Hancock features possibly associated with the fine cabinetry in the Trustees’ Office (1813/1856).
A steel band incorporated into the back of the Cabinet serves to prove the intent that it was made to be hung on a wall. Unlike some of the Shaker “hanging” cabinets existent today, it was not refashioned from a freestanding or built-in piece of furniture. We can only speculate on the use of this Hanging Cabinet today, but its rare form and use of contrasting hardwoods speak to a purposeful intention behind the design.
In an original stain and varnish surface with original cast iron and porcelain hardware, this Hanging Cabinet was acquired directly from the Hancock Shakers by George E. & Gladys C. Jordan of Epping, New Hampshire.
To inquire about this piece,
contact us by phone:
914-763-8144
Or, you can reach us by email: jkr@jkrantiques.com