Subject: Re: Jap

[Mark A. Mandel]

Bill Mullins writes:
   >>>>>

A standard prop for magicians is the "Jap Box", for production of
various small items.  Magicians are aware that this is at best a dated
name for the prop, but no one has come up with a substitute that has
been accepted.
 <<<<<

Could that have originally been short for "japanned"?

OED Online:

1. Varnished, lacquered, or adorned with japan or in Japanese style.
(Citations 1693-1851)

b. Polished with blacking. (Citations 1750-1892)

-- Mark A. Mandel
[This text prepared with Dragon NaturallySpeaking.]