dkeller_nc
Well-known member
Does anyone know where to point me to an analysis of the ebonizing on split-turnings used to ornament "mannerist" (i.e., 16th and 17th century english/american) furniture? Most of the museum books identify the split-turnings as "ebonized maple", but say very little about what was used to ebonize them.
Since the ebonizing on the turnings of most of the furniture photographed in these museum books is largely intact (and the rest of the finish definitely isn't), I'm assuming that this ebonizing was not lampblack/linseed oil/white lead, as the paint would've deteriorated long ago.
While I know that "rusty vinegar" was known to blacken wood during the time period, I rather doubt this was used, since it doesn't work too well on low-tannin woods such as maple.
Any ideas?
Since the ebonizing on the turnings of most of the furniture photographed in these museum books is largely intact (and the rest of the finish definitely isn't), I'm assuming that this ebonizing was not lampblack/linseed oil/white lead, as the paint would've deteriorated long ago.
While I know that "rusty vinegar" was known to blacken wood during the time period, I rather doubt this was used, since it doesn't work too well on low-tannin woods such as maple.
Any ideas?