👉 A hard black enamel varnish containing asphalt.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look!
That definition you read – “A hard black enamel varnish containing asphalt” – is
technically
correct. It describes the actual substance that was used to create what we call ‘Japan’ lacquerware. But it doesn't tell us
why
we call it that, does it?
Let’s think about this a bit… We need to go back in time!
“Japan” comes from Portuguese, you see,
A word for a place, wild and free.
It was
Japão
, a land far away,
Where artisans worked day by day.
The Portuguese traders, brave and bold,
Saw these beautiful crafts, stories told.
They didn’t understand the name's true art,
Just heard it spoken – "Japão," from the start!
So when they brought these exquisite wares,
Back to Europe, beyond all cares,
They called them “Japan,” a simple sound,
Because that's what they had just found.
It’s a fascinating bit of history, isn't it? The name stuck around, even though we now know the material behind the beauty!
Key takeaway:
"Japan" is a borrowed word, originating from Portuguese, and doesn't directly relate to the
meaning
of the lacquer itself.
Do you have any questions about this little linguistic journey?