Wallpaper with Birds and Flowers

Ever since the 17th century goods made in China had enjoyed great popularity in Europe. Colorfull wallpaper was produced in great quantities in China for export to Europe, usually via London traders. The individual leaves, blossoms and butterflies as well as other decoration were first printed on the base material using relief printing blocks and, afterwards, painted by hand. The leaves in this hanging originally had silver contours. Chinese wallpapers, which could transform the interiors og 18th century English ans German palaces and stately homes into exotic gardens, were all the rage.