What does japanned mean?
“Japanned” is an adjective for an object covered with a hard, usually black, glossy varnish known as japan. The finish was especially associated with fine furniture, boxes, leather goods, and metalwork, giving surfaces a smooth, reflective, dark appearance. Although the word can still be found in descriptions of antiques, decorative arts, and conservation work, it sounds old-fashioned in ordinary contemporary English. In a sentence, “japanned” specifies both the use of a lacquer-like coating and its traditional black, polished effect. The term comes from the name of the substance and ultimately from Japan, which was famous for the quality and appearance of Asian lacquers. Today, it is more useful as a historical or specialist term than as a general description of a shiny or black finish.
adjectiveCovered with a hard, usually black, glossy varnish or lacquer. In modern usage, the word is chiefly historical and commonly describes leather, metal, or other objects finished in this way.
- Covered or finished with a black, glossy varnish or lacquer.
"The cabinet had black japanned wood and brass fittings."
"The old book was bound in japanned leather."
"Collectors paid high prices for japanned boxes made in the eighteenth century."
A material from Japan gave English the word “japanned,” meaning lacquered to a deep, glossy black.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does japanned come from?
“Japanned” was formed from the English word “japan,” the name for a black lacquer or varnish, with the participial ending “-ed.” The name “japan” was borrowed in the 17th century in connection with Asian lacquerwork, particularly that of Japan, and was later applied to similar European varnishes. Its development reflects the long-standing European association of highly finished black lacquer with Japanese craftsmanship.
Related word forms
How japanned is actually used
“Japanned” is now mainly historical or specialist, especially in descriptions of furniture, decorative objects, leather, and metalwork. It describes an object or its finish, not a person.