Beauty, usefulness and simplicity were key principles of the Shaker's understanding of design. This pine shop desk (c. 1830) was made to help document and bring order to everyday labors.
Courtesy John Keith Russell
Curly maple, cherry, butternut and pine are combined in one piece (c. 1850), exemplifying Shaker craftsmanship, aesthetics and innovation. The tabletop sits on a revolving birdcage support, with a simple tapered standard standing on three cabriole legs.
Courtesy John Keith Russell
The Shaker movement found its 20th-century parallel in craft furniture makers like Sam Maloof, who designed this console table.
Courtesy Moderne Gallery
The Shakers happily exposed joinery, as did Nakashima in works like this coffee table.
Courtesy Moderne Gallery
George Nakashima, who designed this lounge chair with writing arm, was also devoted to simplicity, utility and the natural assets of wood in his pieces.
Courtesy Moderne Gallery
Furniture of the 20th-century American studio craft movement are still desirable, as these George Nakasmima pieces in a Miami collector's home show.
Courtesy Moderne Gallery
Nakashima pieces at a collector's residence in New Jersey.
