Dressing table 1881 - 1882

This dressing table was designed by George A. Schastey in the late 19th century, likely made with mahogany and other fine materials. If you look closely, you can see that it is constructed with a combination of machine production, for consistent elements like the legs, and hand-craftsmanship in the refined marquetry inlay. These contrasting processes reflect the period’s changing modes of production. Schastey's design speaks to a particular moment in the history of furniture, when the Arts and Crafts movement ideals began influencing industrial manufacturing. While the table reflects a move towards mass production, the refined details and choice of materials suggests it was meant for an affluent consumer, highlighting issues of class and consumption in the Gilded Age. Paying close attention to the details of material and making allows us to consider the social context, and to understand the complex relationships between design, labor, and consumer culture.