Japanware in the UK
In the 16th century, Dutch traders began to bring examples back to Europe as merchants opened up links with Japan. They brought back beautiful screens and cabinets as well as other items of furniture and it was from this that the name 'Japanning' became known. The objects themselves were described as 'Japanned Ware' and then in South Wales where japanned metal goods originated, they became known as 'Japanware'.
As wealthy British travellers in Europe brought examples of Japanned goods back to the UK, it was not long before it became highly sought after. European joiners began to copy these items, but because of the limited range of varnishes, the finished articles were often inferior to the real thing.