AFA 18th Anniversary

This large oval Shaker box with six “fingers” (the distinctive “swallowtail” projections that allow the wood to contract and expand) was probably produced at the Shaker community in New Lebanon, New York, the sect’s main spiritual home throughout the nineteenth century. An outstanding example of its type, its size suggests that it may have been used to store a bonnet. Shakers made boxes for their own use and for sale to outsiders as a source of income. Between 1822 and 1836, the New Lebanon community alone made 24,500 boxes in various sizes and colors. 18th Anniversary 158 www.afamag.com | w ww.incollect.com Geometric hearthrug, attributed to Mary Peters Hewins (American, n.d.), ca. 1800. Yarn and shirred wool on linen, 34 x 70 in. Jonathan and Karin Fielding collection. Sewn rugs added vivid color and ornate decoration to a home’s interior. They covered hearths in the summer, decorated tabletops, and cushioned the floor next to beds. This important hearthrug from Maine was made using a fascinating and rare technique, incorporating both yarn sewing and shirring, or gathering that produces texture and elasticity. The composition is lively and inventive: a dynamic scalloped border frames a curvilinear field punctuated by two blue flowers or compass stars. Still retaining its vibrant colors, this rug is initialed “J.H.” in brown ink on the back, likely for James Hewins. The rug has been attributed to Mary Peters Hewins, James’ wife. Oval Shaker box, unknown maker, ca. 1820–1840. Pine and maple, tacks, chrome yellow finish. H. 6½, W. 15, D. 11 in. Jonathan and Karin Fielding collection.