Always prepared: The materials and techniques of Boston japanners, 1700-1775

Japanning is an imitation of Asian lacquer produced by Western craftsmen in the late seventeenth to early nineteenth century. Between 1700 and 1775, Boston, Massachusetts was at the center of japanning production in North America with over fifteen japanners active in this period. This study investigates how these craftsmen learned japanning techniques, used and procured materials, and expanded into other trades. Historical documentation, object connoisseurship, and scientific data provide the evidence for my observations.;This thesis begins with a discussion of scientific analyses that reveal the material composition and sequencing of japanned finishes as well as retroactive alterations. Finish analyses conducted by conservators Johanna Bernstein, Kate Helwig, Maria Brunskog, and the Winterthur Museum establish a dialogue on the diversity of techniques and materials used in this trade. The scientific interpretation is followed by a description of the japanner's activities as seen through historical records, such as inventories, bills, and advertisements. These documents identify the commingling of painting, heraldry, silvering, and gilding supplies in the japanners' workshops, and illustrates their diversified craft practices. This thesis introduces the skill sets from the painting, gilding, and armorial trades in order to explain their impact on the creation of japanned finishes.