What is "japanning"

Japan \Ja*pan"\ (j[.a]*p[a^]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Japanned (j[.a]*p[a^]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Japanning.]

1. To cover with a coat of hard, brilliant varnish, in the manner of the Japanese; to lacquer.

2. To give a glossy black to, as shoes. [R.]
   --Gay.

Japanning \Ja*pan"ning\, n. The art or act of varnishing in the Japanese manner.

n. European technique of creating lacquerware in imitation of traditional Japanese style.

See japan

1. v. coat with a lacquer, as done in Japan

2. [also: japanning, japanned]

Japanning is a type of finish, usually based on lacquer, that originated as a European imitation of Asian lacquerwork. It was first used on furniture. The word originated in the 17th century.