Japanning
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Japanning is a word that originated from the 17th century. It is used to describe the European imitation of Asian lacquerwork, originally used on furniture.
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[edit] Japanned
Japanned is most often a heavy black lacquer, almost like enamel paint. The European technique uses varnishes that have a resin base, similar to shellac, applied in heat-dried layers which are then polished, to give a smooth glossy finish. It can also come in reds, greens and blues.
Originating in India, China and Japan as a decorative coating for pottery, it made its way into Europe by the 1600s. In the late 17th century, high European demand and rumors, that higher quality pieces were not exported, led to production (starting in Italy). Its traditional form can be found using gold designs and pictorials, contrasting with the black base color.
[edit] Development in Europe
As the demand for all things japanned grew, the Italian technique for imitating Asian lacquerwork also spread.
The Art of Japanning developed in 18th century England at the court of King George III, and Queen Charlotte. The art of applying paper cut outs to other items (decoupage) became very popular, especially the botanically inspired works of Mary Delaney.
[edit] Japanned metal
Ironware was japanned black, for decorative reasons. It was also used to render it rustproof, suitable for carrying water. A signifiant industry developed at Pontypool and Usk, shortly before tinplate began to be made in the area. japanned ware was being also made at Bilston by 1719 and later elsewhere in the area.[1]
[edit] Applications
In the 19th and 20th centuries, this lacquering technique evolved into the handicraft of decoupage. Decoupage focuses less on furniture and more on temporary boxes and toiletry containers.
The technique was also developed to protect wood and later industrial metal objects such as hand planes and builders' hardware. Later, it was as an insulating film on transformer laminations. It was also used as the substrate for the tintype photographic process.
[edit] References
- ^ M. B. Rowlands, Masters and Men in 1the West Midlands metalware trades before the industrial revolution (Manchester University Press 1975), 134-136 etc.
- Japanning at localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk
- Eerdmans, Emily (2006). "The International Court Style: William & Mary and Queen Anne: 1689-1714, The Call of the Orient". Classic English Design and Antiques: Period Styles and Furniture; The Hyde Park Antiques Collection. New York: Rizzoli International Publications. pp. 22–25. ISBN 978-0-8478-2863-0.
