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.
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.
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.
Japanning London: Yolanda Zappaterra talks to designer Koji Mizutani about his work and involvement with Selfridges' forthcoming Tokyo Life, London Life exhibition. (Profile).
Apr 12, 2001; KOJI MIZUTANI, one of Japan's leading designers, has a new mantra for the new millennium, and he's pushing it with the zeal of...