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Boston Rocker
Believed to have originated around 1840, the classic Boston rocker 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. They frequently show considerable wear, and often have three or four coats of paint. They 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.
This chair is traditionally made of maple and pine with hickory rockers, but woods vary depending on the region where a particular chair was made. At the back there may be seven or nine turned spindles or a central splat, topped by a wide, curved rail that was often painted or stenciled. When a central splat was used instead of spindles, these two broad expanses became a creative canvas for artists of the day. Popular subjects included patriotic figures, landscapes, even houses.
The hallmark of a Boston rocker is a wide pine “scroll” seat consisting of three pieces: 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 forwardmost piece is cut on the lengthwise grain, adding strength as well as comfort. This overall horizontal “S” shape is repeated in the curve of the arms.
When you shop for a Boston rocker, look for pleasingly shaped spindles that are curved to support the shape of the back, a thick plank seat (as much as 2 inches), and rockers held in place by pins running through the legs. The legs should not taper at the base: Tapered legs may indicate the rockers were added at a later date. Rockers with the most sophisticated painted designs fetch the highest prices.
Collecting may not be the right word for this wonderful piece of furniture so let us know if you have a passion for the Boston rocker.
Prized because they were so comfortable, these chairs were always among the pieces moved from house to house as families grew and migrated. They frequently show considerable wear, and often have three or four coats of paint. They 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.
This chair is traditionally made of maple and pine with hickory rockers, but woods vary depending on the region where a particular chair was made. At the back there may be seven or nine turned spindles or a central splat, topped by a wide, curved rail that was often painted or stenciled. When a central splat was used instead of spindles, these two broad expanses became a creative canvas for artists of the day. Popular subjects included patriotic figures, landscapes, even houses.
The hallmark of a Boston rocker is a wide pine “scroll” seat consisting of three pieces: 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 forwardmost piece is cut on the lengthwise grain, adding strength as well as comfort. This overall horizontal “S” shape is repeated in the curve of the arms.
When you shop for a Boston rocker, look for pleasingly shaped spindles that are curved to support the shape of the back, a thick plank seat (as much as 2 inches), and rockers held in place by pins running through the legs. The legs should not taper at the base: Tapered legs may indicate the rockers were added at a later date. Rockers with the most sophisticated painted designs fetch the highest prices.
Collecting may not be the right word for this wonderful piece of furniture so let us know if you have a passion for the Boston rocker.
Latest page update: made by kjacobso
, May 24 2007, 12:47 PM EDT
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Edited by kjacobso
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Edited by kjacobso
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- complete history)
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