Shakers are a Christian Sect established in 18th century England who were originally known as "Shaking Quakers" because of their passionate physical behaviour during religious services.
Shaker boxes originated in Shaker communities in America and were round or oval shape and made from thin sheets of wood veneer, sourced from local trees.
Some boxes were for personal use and others sold to the wider community as 'nested sets'. Looped handles were added later to make boxes easier to carry and were also used as scoops for measuring dry foodstuffs.
Shaker boxes are often constructed with swallowtail laps, fixed with metal studs on the sides of boxes. These laps allowed the wood veneer to expand and contract without the veneer splitting, due to variations in temperature and humidity.
Shakers were devout people and it was thought the 'swallow-tails' pointed to the right, as a sign of moving towards God.
However, shaker boxes today can have a variety of lap joint designs, such as rounded, or diamond shapes, depending upon preference and use.
Shaker boxes were usually plain with no decorations because the Shakers were a strict utilitarian society.
However, shaker boxes today are supplied decorated in beautiful, natural wood and colour stains, or clear lacquer finishes, if the natural warmth and beauty of wood is preferred.
They can also be supplied with printed logos or text, for a more personalized branded finish.
Shaker boxes are popular because they look graceful and make excellent, inexpensive gift packaging. For example, they are often used as hat boxes, as gift boxes for high-end food stuffs and as corporate gifts.
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http://www.polmacuk.com
