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| Fig. 8. An example of pattern: Counter with drawers graduated vertically and horizontally, Mount Lebanon, New York, c 1820 |
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| Fig. 8. An example of pattern: Counter with drawers graduated vertically and horizontally, Mount Lebanon, New York, c 1820 |
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Pattern involves the repetitive use of similar shapes, forms, or spaces to create unity and organization within a design. The most common configuration is found in cases of drawers, with their repetition of similar elements. Here, the expected pattern consists of a bank of graduated drawers. However, the complex counter shown in fig. 8 utilizes two distinct drawer patterns to create an aesthetically pleasing composition. The three drawers increase in size vertically from top to bottom, creating a rhythm typical of worldly furniture. At the same time, drawers decrease in width (38 1/2, 32 1/8, 22 9/16, 17, 17, and 17 inches) horizontally across the front of the over-twelve-foot-long case. This results in an unusual yet harmonious design that avoids the monotony of equal-size drawers throughout. In one common pattern each drawer in a single bank is smaller than the one below it (fig. 9). Drawers can also be graduated in sets, or more commonly in pairs, decreasing in size from bottom to top (fig. 10). In other cases, none of the drawers are graduated (fig. 11). The same form may be given different arrangements of drawers, as illustrated in figs. 12-14.
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| Fig 9. An example of pattern: Case of drawers with simple graduated drawers, Groveland, New York, c 1830 | Fig. 10. An example of pattern: Case of drawers graduated in sets. Mount Lebanon, New York, c. 1840. The top two pairs of drawers are 7 inches in depth, the next four are approximately on inch deeper, and the bottom two are about an inch deeper than the previous tier. |
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| Fig. 11. An example of pattern: Case of drawers, non graduated, Mount Lebanon, New York, c. 1820 | Figs. 12-14. Examples of pattern: Three different groupings of drawers in the same form, cupboard over case of drawers, Mount Lebanon, New York, c.1840 |
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Copyright
1993 by Timothy D. Rieman and Jean M. Burks
For more information on The Complete Book of Shaker Furniture click on the book cover.
