What does japan mean?
Japan is a largely historical term for a hard, usually black, Asian lacquer used to give furniture, boxes, and other decorative objects a smooth, lustrous finish. As a noun, it can denote either the lacquer itself or a piece of japanned work; as a verb, it means to coat an object with this finish. The best-known application was japanned furniture, valued for its glossy surface and resistance to heat and moisture. Although modern furniture is more often described as lacquered, varnished, or French-polished, japan survives in specialist descriptions of antiques and conservation work. The term reflects the international reputation of Japanese and broader Asian lacquerwork, which became especially fashionable in Europe during the early modern period. The ordinary country name Japan should always be capitalized, while the lowercase word denotes the material or the act of applying it.
A hard, usually black, Asian lacquer formerly used to finish furniture and decorative objects; also a decorated object made with this lacquer.
"The cabinet was valued for its fine japan and gilded fittings."
Chiefly historical and specialist; the plural japans is used for individual objects finished with japan.
To varnish an object with japan lacquer.
"The artisan japanned the table before applying the final decorative details."
Usually encountered in the form japanned or in the phrase japanned furniture.
The plural is used for individual pieces of furniture or decorative work finished with japan lacquer; it is now uncommon.
"The auction catalogue listed several antique japans."
The everyday word japan preserves the fame of the celebrated Asian lacquer that became a prized luxury in European furniture making.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does japan come from?
The lowercase word japan developed from the name of Japan because imported Japanese lacquer became celebrated in Europe during the early modern period. It initially referred to the Asian lacquer and to objects decorated with it, and the verb japanned developed from that material sense. The English form Japan entered European languages through Portuguese and other maritime languages during the period of early European contact with Asia.
Related word forms
How japan is actually used
The word is chiefly historical or specialist. In its lowercase material sense it refers to lacquer or japanned work; Japan with an initial capital names the country. The verb is normally used in the passive participial form japanned.
Easily confused with japan
Japan names the country and also the traditional lacquer associated with it, whereas Japanese is the adjective and noun for its people, language, and culture.