Rare Shaker Settee
Mount Lebanon, NY | c. 1890
Maple and pine with original wool tape seat
Original stain and varnish surface
34 ⅛” h. (16″ h. seat) x 41″ w. x 19″ d.
The Mount Lebanon South Family production settee is considered among the rare forms originating from the Shaker chair factory. Perhaps a unique example, having two additional support legs originally installed.
Maple and pine retaining an old or original stain and varnish. Original and undisturbed handwoven wool tape.
A passage in the Shaker Manifesto (July 1895) describes the popularity of the settee at the turn of the century:
There continues to be a constant demand for the famous Shaker chairs, sofas, footrests, and numerous other articles… We are quite positive that the South Family at Mount Lebanon is the champion chair maker of the world. The work is of the very best and
it is known that
They’re useful–ornamental.
Two grand principles combined.
You may search the whole world over,
Nor better chairs you’ll find.
Then their sofas and their footrests
Are the best the world can give;
Do not try to find their equal,
For you cannot while you live.
Reference: Charles R. Muller and Timothy D. Reiman, The Shaker Chair (1984), p. 211-212.
To inquire about this piece,
please get in touch with us by phone:
914-763-8144
Or, you can reach us by email: jkr@jkrantiques.com