Definition of "japanning" []

• European technique of creating lacquerware in imitation of traditional Japanese style. (noun)

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• "In the early nineteenth century lacquering as an art fell into disrepute, and such decorations were largely associated with the commoner metal wares, stoved and lacquered by the so-called japanning process carried out in Birmingham and other places, although there is now some admiration shown by collectors for small trays, bread baskets, candle boxes, and snuffer trays of metal, japanned and decorated by hand in colours and much fine gold pencilling."
• "The English called decoupage 'japanning' in the 18th century, and it became popular with the upper and middle classes by the 19th century."
• "Imitations of lacquer and other decorative surfaces by European craftsmen using their own materials and techniques were known as 'japanning'. ""