Bantamwork 875638 219745047 2008-06-16T18:16:52Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other '''Bantamwork''' in 18th century [[England]] signified a particular style of [[export]] [[lacquerware]] which was cut into a layer of gesso and then [[lacquered]] in colors. ==History== By the mid 17th century, trade with [[China]] and [[Japan]] had flourished in [[Europe]]. [[Oriental]] curiosities included lacquered [[cabinets]] and [[screens]]. The beautiful lacquer and [[ornamentation]] were highly prized. The Chinese lacquer was known as "[[Coromandel]]" or "bantomwork". ==Oriental Process== The [[sap]] of the Rhus vernicifera tree, [[indigenous]] to [[China]], was used on the pieces. Once the sap had dried, it could be applied in coats, forming a hard crust. This crust could be carved in [[relief]]. Color could be added to the sap, usually red, black and aubergine, to add variety to the pieces. ==European Process== True [[Oriental]] [[lacquer]] could not be produced in [[Europe]], because the Rhus vernicifera tree was not grown in [[Europe]]. An imitation based on [[shellac]] made from [[insect]] secretions was developed. This was known as ''japanning''. [[Jappanning]], using white, blue and green as well as the traditional colors, is used still today. ==References== * Miller's Antiques Encyclopedia: Antiques Encyclopedia by Judith Miller, Mitchell Beazley, 2005, Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. ISBN 1845331508 [[Category:Decorative arts]] {{decorative-art-stub}}