Hand-Made Pair of Boston Rockers for Mother and Child

About the Item

This adorable pair of mother and child Boston Rockers are wonderful examples of timeless American furniture form. At the back of the chairs there are seven turned spindles topped with a broad curved rail. The hallmark of a Boston Rocker is the wide pine "scroll" seat which consists of three parts: a rise at the rear to accommodate the body shape, a wide center piece, and a forward curve called a "cyma" at the front. The forward most piece of pine on these rockers is cut on the lengthwise grain, adding strength as well as comfort. The seats are hollow and supported by cross-wise braces, resulting in elegant scrolls. The strong rails are made of hickory or dense fruitwood. The hand-turned legs are sturdily crafted but retain a simple grace. The rocking chair was reputedly invented by Benjamin Franklin. However, the Boston Rocker is thought to have originated, circa 1840 and became popular during the mid-19th century. While its Boston origins are undeniable, it was often copied by craftsmen up and down the East Coast and far into Pennsylvania. Prized because they were so comfortable, these chairs were always among the pieces moved from house to house as families grew and migrated. The Boston Rockers were so in demand that they became a commodity eagerly carried by merchant ships as they sailed around the world. Today they can be found as far afield as South Africa and China— a tribute to their great design. Although, a number of these chairs were mass-produced in the mid-19th century, the construction of these rockers (specifically the hollow seats and the manner in which the legs and spindles were turned) point to it being a copy of the design by a single individual. These chairs were lovingly built by the father of the family that once sat upon them.

Dimensions:

Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Materials and Techniques:

Hickory,Maple,Pine

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Mid-19th Century