Japan
noun
- (also known as japan black, sometimes capitalized) A hard, reflective black lacquer, consisting primarily of an asphalt base, applied most often to metal
- Objects coated in decorative lacquer in the Japanese style; also, any of multiple varnishes meant to imitate such style
verb
- To veneer with a dark varnish
Usage
Everyone is familiar with the island nation of Japan, but, unless you are in the trade, you may not be aware that the improper noun japan can also refer to a distinctive type of black varnish. Use of this varnish was especially prevalent during the early 20th century, when the first commercialized automobiles (those produced by Henry Ford and a few of his contemporaries) were often covered in this glossy, enamel-like material. Formed from an asphalt base, japan black (as it is also known) is smoothly reflective and pitch dark. Usually applied to metal, this lacquer was especially favored in automobile construction because it could be counted on to dry quickly. This property aided in the development of a streamlined system of mass production.
Another usage of japan refers to the type of lacquerware made traditionally in its eponymous country, much in the same way that china is connected to China. Pieces of japan generally consist of (usually, but not always) wooden objects that are expertly carved and then covered in the sap of lacquer trees. These objects can include decorative vases, kettles, flatware, and a variety of other home goods. Once the sap dries, the objects are left with a hardened, glossy veneer of either red or black; from here, further decoration is often added. Pieces done in this style are regarded for their attractiveness; thus, it should serve as no surprise that many European craftsmen have attempted to recreate the process. Using different plant resins and incorporating Western influences, the European practice is often described using japan as a verb. This specific case aside, to japan can also refer to the general act of applying a dark, shiny varnish.
Example: The use of japan in American auto-making meant that, for many years, most cars came only in black.
Example: I admired the lovely japan my cousin had on display in his living room.
Example: To make their milieu appear more authentic, the sushi restaurant decided to japan several decorative pitchers.
Origin
The country of Japan is sometimes referred to as "The Land of the Rising Sun." This name is apt, as the earliest origins of the word japan are seen in jih pun, the Chinese phrase for "sunrise," (possibly in reference to the fact that Japan is located to the east of China). The name was initially introduced to the West by Marco Polo in the form of Chipangu. From here, the word would be amalgamated into several European languages before finally emerging in English as Japan (still referring to the country) during the latter half of the sixteenth century. Extended trade and other contacts with Japan led to an association of that country with the distinctive form of lacquer-work, known in English as japan since the late sixteen hundreds.
In Literature
From Wyn Derbyshire's Six Tycoons: The Lives of John Jacob Astor, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford and Joseph P. Kennedy:
Once the assembly line process was introduced, it was found that the various body paints then being used took so long to dry that they were slowing production. After some experimentation, Ford identified a lacquer paint called Japan Black which dried quickly and displayed the necessary degree of durability, giving rise to Henry's famous slogan.
Here, the author references the importance of the quick-drying capabilities of Japan Black to the mass production of early cars. The famous slogan referenced is, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."
Mnemonic
- Japan's dark as can be.
Tags
Countries, Veneer, Lacquer
Bring out the linguist in you! What is your own interpretation of japan. Did you use japan in a game? Provide an example sentence or a literary quote.