Shaker Pine Washstand

Shaker Pine Washstand, Mount Lebanon, New York, c. 1820, the splashboard with quarter-round sides on an overhanging rectangular top above two hinged doors with recessed, molded panels opening to a single shelf, traces of yellow-ochre wash, overall ht. 36, shelf ht. 24 3/4, overall wd. 56 1/2, dp. 17 in. Literature: Religion in Wood , pp. 33, 86; The Magazine Antiques , May 1979; The Book of Shaker Furniture , pp. 210-11; Gather Up the Fragments , p. 146. The Andrewses acquired this piece from the North Family at Mount Lebanon. The relatively large size of this washstand indicates it was likely made for use in an area other than a typical Shaker retiring room. It was reported that this piece was originally used in the infirmary of the North Family ( The Magazine Antiques , May 1979). Scholar and cabinetmaker John Kassay echoed this in his Book of Shaker Furniture . It is made almost entirely of pine, save the maple pulls. The top overhangs the case asymmetrically by 3 1/4 in. on the right side. However, small hardwood pegs on both sides of the case suggest the piece was not designed to be set into a corner. The large knots on the splashboard are unusual for Shaker work, perhaps further indication of the rough use intended for this piece.