Somno (no. 618)
Item
Title
Somno (no. 618)
Creator
United Crafts
Date
1902-03 (ca.)
Dimensions
33 ½ x 19 ⅞ x 16 inches
Medium
Oak, iron screws, copper door catch
Object No.
1995.48
Credit line
Anonymous Gift
Description
One of two somnos that Stickley produced in his early career, this version (no. 618) was first published in August 1902 and differs from the earlier version (no. 605) in a number of ways. Most obviously, a drawer replaced the simple molding of its predecessor and made the piece more functional. Secondly, instead of a paneled door, the lower cabinet’s door is constructed of vertical boards held in place on the inside with two oak boards fastened with screws. The construction of this door is identical to that on the fall front desk (no. 550) seen in the living room downstairs.
From the Latin for sleep, the use of the term “somno” (as opposed to nightstand) for this piece is unexpectedly formal and old-fashioned. Its use appears to stem from Stickley’s earlier production of Colonial revival furniture as the term was used frequently in the eighteenth century.
From the Latin for sleep, the use of the term “somno” (as opposed to nightstand) for this piece is unexpectedly formal and old-fashioned. Its use appears to stem from Stickley’s earlier production of Colonial revival furniture as the term was used frequently in the eighteenth century.
Associated names
Gustav Stickley
Provenance
Gustav Stickley (by 1903), sold with the contents of Craftsman Farms to George and Sylvia Farny (1917), by descent to Cyril Farny, Private Collection (by 1992); Anonymous gift to the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in 1995.