It is also sometimes used as a varnish itself.
Japan is a varnish-like liquid made of shellac or other resin, linseed oil, metallic oxides, and turpentine.

It is used as a medium in which to grind colors and as a drier.
WOOD FINISHING REFERENCES:[*] (1) Stains.
Hodgson, II, pp.

25-59, 155-164.
Van Deusen, _Man.Tr.

Mag._, 6: 93.
Maire, pp.

46-64.
(2) Fillers.
Hodgson, II, pp.