For terminology sake, that finish technique is referred to as "faux bois" it is the art of "grain faking" using paints,glazes and other pigments with various methods of application using several different tools or devices, I am somewhat known for this related to doing fire restoration, where irreplaceable casing, doors, stair rails, stuff like that, has been subject to damage by fire or other means. Various fillers are used to "replace the wood, the faux bois is done, it is all "locked" in with clear coats. If all goes well it looks like nothing ever happened. It is a simmiliar thing that may be incorporated in fine finish repair work on violins. Violins however, the work is much more "microscopic" and much more refined
Jezzupe
Thanks for the clarification about faux bois. As you say, this involves the use of paints and pigments along with brushes and feathers to produce the effect of expensive, figured wood.
Here is another case which uses the technique of vinegar graining also typical of New England.
Milk paint is thicker, takes 2 days to dry and is very weather resistant. Monochrome sometimes colored with plant dyes and ochre (barns).
On the other hand, vinegar is applied in two layers. First a white layer then a second layer containing lac which is scrawled when wet - in this case with fingers. The end effect is just decorative and doesn't simulate anything.
This case is made of New England pine. Very light weight, fast growing and almost grainless easily confused with poplar. White pine, Pinus Strobus.
White pine trees are valued for their light and evenly-grained timber that can be worked on without much trouble and are not tough. White pine provides timber that is soft to moderate in compactness. The color of white pine timber ranges from creamy white to light yellow at times having distinct orange colored growth rings. This variety of timber does not expand or contract owing to the change in its moisture content and is extremely enduring. That this wood is durable is evident from the fact that houses built with white pine in New England over two centuries ago, still exist. Owing to such advantageous features, white pine wood is extensively used in complex paneling with pine wood, millwork, making siding and planks for boxes, coffins, crates, wooden utensils, boats as well as novelty items.
The remarkable resiliance of the timber is apparent in this case which is free from cracks or splits even after nearly 200 years.
Back in the day, when ships used sails, the tall white pines providing superior quality timber were commonly known as mast pines. They were sought out by the agents of the British royalty during the colonial periods and harvested for use by the British Royal Navy.
Glenn
