The term 'Japanware' is used to describe objects which have been finished and decorated in a particular way. A 'Japan' finish can be created on lots of different materials. 'Japanning' means the finished, decorative surface and not the article itself.

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Japanware Dish

Japanware in Usk


When Edward Allgood died in 1763, a feud between his 3 sons and nephew (John, Thomas, Edward and Thomas), was well under way. It ended with two sons leaving the Pontypool works to set up their own factory in Usk, along with the major financial backing of the company and the majority of the workers. The quarrel was said to be over the division of the secret industrial process; a quarrel that became a very complicated affair as time went on.


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