What does lacquerware mean?
Lacquerware denotes objects made from wood, metal, or other materials whose surfaces have been covered with lacquer, a resinous coating that can be transparent, coloured, or decorated. The best-known examples come from the highly developed lacquer traditions of China and Japan, although the term also applies to European and modern decorative work. Common objects include boxes, furniture, bowls, trays, and vessels. Lacquerware is valued not only for its glossy appearance but also for the skill involved in applying many thin layers, carving designs, adding inlays, or painting elaborate motifs. The term can refer either to the objects collectively or to the craft itself. In general usage, “fine” or “decorated” commonly precedes it, while references to “Chinese lacquerware” and “Japanese lacquerware” identify particular artistic traditions.
nounArticles or decorative objects made from wood, metal, or other materials and coated with lacquer, a durable resinous finish that may be clear or coloured. The term also refers collectively to the traditional craft of producing such objects.
- Objects made or coated with lacquer, especially decorated furniture, boxes, bowls, and vessels.
- The art or craft of making such decorated objects.
"The auction featured fine Chinese lacquerware decorated with intricate inlay and carved designs."
"The museum recently acquired a collection of nineteenth-century lacquerware from Japan."
"Restoring the lacquerware required specialist knowledge of traditional decorative techniques."
Rare; the noun is usually used collectively as an uncountable mass noun, especially when referring to a tradition or type of decorated object.
"Several exceptional lacquerwares were displayed at the exhibition."
Some of the world’s most prized decorative arts are objects transformed by layers of lacquer, a finish prized for its mirror-like shine and extraordinary durability.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lacquerware come from?
The word is an English compound formed from “lacquer” and “ware.” “Lacquer” entered English during the early 17th century through Portuguese, ultimately reflecting a South Asian term for a resinous substance used as a coating. The compounded form “lacquerware” developed later to designate objects distinguished by this finish.
How lacquerware is actually used
The word is chiefly associated with East Asian decorative traditions, especially Chinese and Japanese lacquerwork, but it is not restricted to objects from those traditions. It is normally used as an uncountable collective noun; the plural is uncommon.
Easily confused with lacquerware
Lacquerware refers chiefly to decorated objects finished with lacquer, whereas pottery is made from clay and fired.
Woodwork is the general category of objects made from wood, while lacquerware is distinguished by its lacquered surface.