Japonism
/ˈdʒæp.əˌnɪz.əm/noun
A Western artistic and design movement influenced by Japanese art and aesthetics, especially in the 19th century.
Did you know?Japonism was coined in French in the 19th century to describe the flood of Japanese influence on European art, fashion, and design after Japan opened to the West.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
French
japonisme
“The taste or fashion for Japanese art and design in Europe.”
19th Century
English
Japonism
“The English borrowing of the French term for Japanese-influenced art and aesthetics.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Japão
“The Portuguese form of the name for Japan, used in early European contact.”
Medieval Chinese
Chinese
日本 (Rìběn)
“The Chinese characters meaning 'origin of the sun,' used as the name of Japan.”
Modern English
English
Japan
“The country in East Asia.”