Decoupage (or découpage) was known in 18th century in Europe as the art of Japanning after its presumed origins. It is the way of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and ets. Commonly an object is covered by cutouts from magazines or other pictures. The picture is sealed with varnishes (often multiple coats) until the result looks like painting or inlay work.
The origin of decoupage is thought to be East Europe. The practice came to China, and by the 12th century, cut out paper was being used to decorate lanterns, windows, boxes and other objects.
It's thought the Decoupage made it's way into Europe through the trade links between the Far East and Venice in the 17th century.
Now you can make your own souvenir in the technique of decoupage at Soviet Dacha in Moscow.
