japan

Hard Asian lacquer

Japan is a hard, glossy lacquer or varnish, originally from East Asia, used to give surfaces a shiny black finish.

Objects coated this way are also called japan: a japan cabinet, japan ware.

To japan something is to coat it with this lacquer or to make it glossy black.

The technique was widely imitated in Europe during the 18th century. (Capitalized Japan is the country.)

country

Tokyo

Japan's capital city

KyotoJapan's former imperial seat
OsakaJapanese port metropolis
HokkaidoJapan's northernmost main island

Honshu · Nippon · archipelago · Mount Fuji · emperor · yen · Shinto · Zen · samurai · geisha

lacquer

lacquerware

Resin-finished decorative objects

varnishLiquid that dries glossy
sapPlant circulatory fluid
woodworkCraft of building with lumber

artisans · craftsmanship · inlay · decorative · bowls · boxes · trays · comb

finish

lacquer

Glossy protective coating

varnishLiquid that dries glossy
glossShine or annotation
sheenSoft surface luster

polish · glaze · shine · coat · enamel · luster · patina · buff · wax · sealant

Opposites

surface finish quality

japandull

Lacking edge or interest

matte · flat · unpolished · lusterless · satin

surface treatment type

japanraw

In original state

unfinished · bare · untreated · natural · uncoated

East-West cultural paradigm

japanUnited States

North American federal republic

Europe · America

Phrases

Japanese islandsEast Asian island nation
Japanese electronicsTech from Japan
Japanese tea ceremonyRitualized matcha preparation practice
made in JapanManufactured in that country
Japanese theaterTraditional Asian stage performance
Japanese traditionEstablished cultural practice from Japan

Family

Japanese, japanned, Japanophile, japanning, Japanization

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G