Paper wallpaper from Canton, China, ca. 1720–1750

This wallpaper is part of a two-piece set depicting everyday scenes from China, made in Guanghzou (Canton, China) specifically for export to Europe. Unlike most paper wallpapers of the time, in this example the motif was first pre-printed and then repainted with watercolors. From the early 18th century into the 19th century, paper wallpaper like this was a popular decoration for Chinese-inspired rooms in England.

Wallpaper, paper printed in black block print and painted with watercolors, 286 cm x 174 cm, 1720–1750, unknown artist; image source: © Victoria and Albert Museum, London, inventory number E.412-1924, https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O78211/wallpaper-unknown/.