Japanning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Japanning is a word originating from the 17th century, used to describe the European imitation of Asian lacquerwork, originally used on furniture.
[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. Because of the high European demand and rumors that the higher quality pieces were not exported, production was start in Italy in the late 17th century. In its traditional form, it can be found as gold designs and pictorials contrasting with the black base color.
[edit] Development in Europe
As the craze 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 Mrs Mary Delaney.
[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. Later it was as an insulating film on transformer laminations. It was also used as the substrate for the tintype photographic process.
 |
This decorative art-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
