Simple boxes have been made by bending thin strips of wood for nearly 600 years. These boxes continue to be very useful today for all sorts of dry storage. Taking many forms and having a long history in Scandinavian countries, simple boxes have been made for centuries in America and were most recently made by the Shaker communities throughout America.

Few samples survive from before 1800. Those that do survive suggest the primary shape prior to 1800 was round with simple lap or single point joints. In the late 1700’s, the Shakers organized and began building boxes in an oval shape with standard sizes and “swallow tail” joints. Most surviving examples are from the early- to mid-19th century.

The craft for building bentwood boxes is alive today under the craftsmanship of Daniel Hrinko. Each box is constructed out of quarter-sawn cherry that is steam bent and hand-finished in oil and beeswax.  Each box is joined in the traditional manner using hand tools consistent with the period.

Bentwood pantry boxes are available in both round and oval shapes and range in size from as small as a size “0”,  1-3/4 x 3-1/2 x 1″ (oval) to as large as a size “8” with dimensions of 12-1/2 x 5-3/4″ (round). For prices, please see our pricing page.