not the JDA but a document on Japanning
http://www.si.edu/mci/downloads/relact/papier_mache.pdf
"The firm of Jennens and Bettridge also improved methods of japanning and decoration that are pertinent to the Smithsonian chair. In 1825 they received a patent for improvements in the process of mother-of-pearl decoration. Their process by-passed the need for skilled craftsmen to inlay decoration. The pearl pieces were ground and polished by workers to a thickness of 0.2-0.4 mm. These thin sheets of material were then stenciled with asphaltum and dipped in hydrochloric acid. The acid dissolved all the shell not protected by the asphaltum, leaving pearl pieces corresponding in size and shape to the stencil pattern. The pieces were adhered to the prepared japanned surface immediately after the object was varnished, using the tacky varnish as the adhesive. The areas of decoration were then repeatedly coated with varnish and polished until the surface was completely smooth, giving the appearance of intricate inlay by craftsmen of consummate skill. What appears to most 20th century eyes to be excellent craftsmanship is in reality a labor saving method of decorating industrially mass-produced objects. Gilding and painting were often applied after the pearl. "Bright" gold was applied principally by water gilding an area larger than the intended figure, and the pattern was then stopped out by asphaltum painted on with very fine brushes. The excess gold was washed away with cotton mops, and the asphaltum was removed by turpentine, exposing the desired
pattern. The final step was “sprigging" or delineating details such as feathers or flower petals."