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Why did European craftsmen begin making imitation Asian lacquer after 1600?

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Qianlong imperial throne — lacquerwork Imperial Chinese throne of the Qianlong emperor (reigned 1735–96), red lacquer carved in dragons and floral scrolls, Qing dynasty; in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

European craftsmen began producing imitation Asian lacquer after 1600 primarily because imported lacquerwork and porcelain became highly fashionable among the European public.1

This trend was driven by the growth of trade fostered by the East India companies of the Netherlands, England, and France, which brought a significant volume of Asian goods into Europe. As these items became status symbols, European craftsmen sought to capitalize on the demand by creating their own versions of these exotic imports.12

The process, often referred to as japanning, was developed as a substitute for the superior, authentic resins used in East Asian lacquer. While European imitations were never as hard or brilliant as the original Oriental lacquer, they provided an admirable and popular alternative that allowed for the widespread adoption of the "Chinese taste" in European interior design and furniture making during the 17th and 18th centuries.132