vernis martin

or vernis Martin

[ ver-nee mahr-tan; French ver-nee mar-tan ]

noun

1. a finish for furniture, invented in France in the 18th century in imitation of Chinese lacquer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vernis martin¹

1875–80; < French: literally, Martin varnish, named after the brothers Martin, 18th-century French craftsmen

Example Sentences

Some of the most beautiful are made of French lacquer and ornamented in the Vernis Martin style.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the lost arts of that time are inlaying as done by Boule and the finish known as Vernis Martin.

From Project Gutenberg

Stick, Vernis Martin on ivory; guards, incrustations of mother-of-pearl.

From Project Gutenberg

Vernis-Martin, as his varnish was termed, became in general request.

From Project Gutenberg