In the 18th century this artistic technique was known as Japanning from its presumed origins
The art of japanning developed in seventeenth-century Britain, France, Italy, 
and the... [DOC] [TLE] Decoupage - Titi Tudorancea Encyclopedia [PAR] The traditional technique used 30-40 layers of varnish which were then sanded ... 
known in 18th century England as The Art of Japanning after its presumed origins
.