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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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japanning
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The term applies mainly to the 17–18C technique of imitating oriental lacquer by giving several layers of varnish to wooden furniture. But it is used also for a quite different craft developed in Britain in the late 17C, particularly at Bilston in Staffordshire and at *Pontypool. This process used tin-plated sheet iron for its base, and fused to it several layers of a varnish based on coal tar. The surface became hard and heat-resistant, and with added floral decoration proved a most attractive material for snuffboxes, teapots, urns and above all trays.
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