Authentic antique Shaker furniture is hard to come by, but not exceedingly rare. “Shaker style” describes furnishings and interiors that are both warm and simple, centered on unpretentious wooden chairs, tables and cabinets without ornament or embellishment.
The term derives from the popular name for an all-but-vanished American religious sect, whose members crafted modest household furniture and objects as part of their belief in purposeful living and simplicity in all things.
Members of the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing — called Shakers, derisively, because they writhed and danced in religious ecstasy during worship — arrived in the United States from England in 1774. Within 50 years, the sect had established 19 self-sufficient communities from Maine to Kentucky, where they lived pure, humble and industrious lives.
The furniture and objects the Shakers made reflected their strict rules of behavior. Pieces such as ladder- and slat-back chairs and trestle tables were painstakingly crafted from native woods like maple and cherry, using traditional methods such as mortise-and-tenon and dovetail joinery and lathe turning. They employed strong, straight lines and symmetrical proportions, and decoration of any kind — carving, veneers, inlays — was prohibited, as it would encourage the sins of pride and vanity.
The Shakers movement included some 6,000 members at its peak in the 1860s, but the group practiced celibacy and could attempt to sustain their flock only by recruiting new adherents. Modernity proved too alluring. Today only one tiny Shaker community, in Maine, still exists, though the sect’s heritage is preserved at several historical sites.
To support their communities, the Shakers sold furniture to outsiders, who appreciated its superb quality. While the “Shaker style” label is today given to many plain, simple wooden pieces, it should also denote superior construction and solid materials. As elements in interior design, Shaker furnishings work best in a quiet decor. Modest pieces such as these can become lost among more ornate works. The style is most suitable to a country home — although a Shaker chair or cabinet can make a striking counterpoint in a modernist, urban setting.
Shaker furniture and objects have a deep appeal for their warmth, honesty and graceful simplicity, which make them welcome almost anywhere.
Find antique Shaker furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
American Mission Drip Glazed Earthenware Urn
Located in Queens, NY
American Mission style earthenware urn with brown speckled glazed body with a gray-blue drip glaze on the top (impressed signature on base)
Earthenware
American Mission Wooden Engraved Vase
Located in Queens, NY
American Mission tapered four-sided wood vase on a square base, with a flat rim and engraved geometric design
Wood
Signed Sinclaire Wheel Cut Engraved 14" Vase
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This large 14" tall, hand blown crystal vase was a custom order for someone special! Monogrammed and signed on the base, it is all-over decorated with copper wheel engraved ivy leave...
Crystal
Gastone Batignani Engraved Ceramic Vase, Italy 1940s
By Gastone Batignani
Located in Naples, IT
The Ceramiche Batignani company was born in Tuscany in 1907 from the artistic and creative skills of Gastone Batignani, the founder. He started the c...
Ceramic
Modern Drip Glazed Large Ceramic Urn Form Vase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Modern drip glazed large urn form ceramic art pottery vase In the manner of Rookwood Pottery Circa Late 20th Century Glazed ceramic combining red, yellow, and gold ton...
Ceramic
Vintage Indian Engraved Floral Metal Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
This listing features a small brass vase that has been hand-engraved to reveal the gold underneath the black coating, creating a unique contrast. Ther...
Metal, Brass
Huge Midcentury Drip Glaze Ceramic Urn
By Raymor, Marcello Fantoni, Bitossi, Fantoni, Aldo Londi
Located in Houston, TX
Huge Midcentury Drip Glaze Ceramic Urn. Huge white Mid-Century Modern drip glaze ceramic urn, vessel or vase. This large, 27 inch urn is...
Ceramic
Vintage Drip Glaze Ceramic Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage stoneware vase is a graceful study in studio pottery, its tall, cylindrical body pinching in gently at the waist before sweeping outward into a wide, generously flared c...
Stoneware
$1,890
H 23 in W 20 in D 20 in
Striking Continental Glazed Earthenware Blue and Yellow Painted Urn, Talavera
Located in Miami, FL
A striking Spanish glazed earthenware two-handled blue and yellow painted urn or vase with molded handle, the body underglaze blue & yellow decorated, 19th century.
Ceramic
Majolica Glazed Earthenware Jar
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted, glazed earthenware with the mark of the rooster on bottom, from the Cantagalli area of Italy. Two different scenes of maidens in landscapes. Handles feature figures. ...
Earthenware, Paint
Midcentury Wooden Vase, Europe, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made from wood good original condition for flowers or candels Not use with water
Wood
Vintage Engraved Ceramic Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage studio pottery vase originates from Peru, showcasing a masterful blend of traditional Andean craftsmanship and contemporary sculptural form. The vessel featu...
Ceramic
Massive Mid Century Modern Sculptural Hand Thrown Drip Glaze Vase - Urn
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and massive vase - urn which will be a eye catcher in your living or business space. Almost 4 ft tall and 30 inch at its widest in the center down to about 7 inch at the bas...
Clay
Amethyst Vase with Art Deco Engraved Geometric Design
Located in Verviers, BE
A beautiful example of Postwar deco design and an early example of the developing Sklo style. This midcentury rectangular vase has been made in a light sh...
Glass
Baccarat, Engraved Vase, 1940
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb 1940s Baccarat crystal vase with gracefully engraved decorations of foliage. In very good condition. Slight signs of use. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : 19.5 x 15.4 Secure shipping. Since 1764 Baccarat has written the chapters of its remarkable history in sparkling letters. Founded in Lorraine, by permission of King Louis XV, the world’s most famous Crystalworks has, over the ages, become a symbol of superb craftsmanship and French Art de...
Crystal
Midcentury Wooden Czechoslovakia Vase, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made from Wood good original condition for flowers or candels
Wood
Mid-Century Earthenware Pottery Vase with Drip Glaze
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century earthenware pottery vase with drip glaze, circa 1970s. The vase was made in Japan and is in very good vintage with no chips or cracks; it measures 4.5" D x 12.5" H. The p...
Pottery