Oval carrier
(1840-1860)
Medium
Maple (Acer sp.), Pine (Pinus sp.), Ash (Fraxinus sp.), copper
Measurements
24.5 × 29.7 × 21.6 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Ruth Margaret Frances Houghton Bequest, 2019
Gallery location
18th & 19th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
The Shakers produced oval carriers and lidded boxes to serve a range of domestic roles throughout their communities’ existence. They were produced in a range of sizes, up to seven or more, and were generally stained red, blue or yellow, or with a natural varnish. The sides were generally made from maple, the handles from ash and the bases from pine. Their simple, elegant form speaks to the Shakers’ focus on utility and function, the securing lappets forming the only decorative element on these restrained yet beautiful objects.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Mount Lebanon, New York, United States
Accession Number
2019.882
Department
International Decorative Arts