Japanning

Japanning is a European method of finishing wood that blackens the final piece. "Japanned objects consist of a variety of materials that were often applied in complex layer structures. The different properties of the numerous substances can cause stress, which in turn damages the coating." (V&A) It replicates a Japaneses method of curing timber called "Yakisugi" where they burn, char, scrape and repeat, then finial apply oil. it too leaves the wood blackened, but it is incredibly effective at preserving timber the cost of the method though is time. The term Japanning has become a term for the general look of an object.

Sources:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/journals/conservation-journal/issue-52/the-development-of-english-black-japanning-1620-1820/

https://nakamotoforestry.com/what-is-shou-sugi-ban-yakisugi/

#material #method #finish #wood #sculpture