Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.misc From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Painted tinware remains popular Date: Fri, 6 Nov 92 11:28:29 EST Message-ID: \SE F;TODAY'S HOME \SS (WS) \HD Painted tinware remains popular \BY ASSOCIATED PRESS Kitchens dating from 1800 to well into the 19th century used painted tinware. Its charming patterns and colors are just as appealing today, according to Country Kitchen Ideas magazine. Sometimes called tole or japanware, colorfully painted tinware gave a touch of color to kitchens of the 19th century. Inexpensive painted tinware, trays, plates, cups, boxes and canisters were sold by itinerant peddlers who pushed their carts through village streets and along country lanes. The tinware was more iron than tin. It was made by pressing sheet iron through heavy rollers, then coating the thin material with a light layer of tin. The flat pieces were hammered into shape, soldered, then coated with asphalt or japan - a black varnished background. Women and young girls (often relatives of the tradesmen who peddled the wares) applied hand-painted or stenciled decorations to the finished pieces. The simple, brightly colored flowers, leaves and birds were charming and naive. Tin painters of different regions had identifiable styles, but the most familiar motifs are the birds, flowers and hearts of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Today, Early American tinware is a highly sought collectible and reproductions confuse the market. Some are obviously new, but new painting on old tin can puzzle even an experienced collector. Look for pieces that show signs of wear. The paint should have tiny, fine age lines running through the design. Be wary of pieces that are painted inside or on the bottom; this was rarely done by 19th-century painters, so these pieces probably aren't old. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM