The History and Modern Revival of Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Even after 300 years, Chinoiserie wallpaper is still transforming European homes with elegance and enchantment. We might now use traditional materials and printing techniques, and blend the Chinoiserie with modern twists, but it still stays a timeless style that will definitely live through the next 300 years as well. Let’s see how the Chinoiserie style began and where it is today!

History of Chinoiserie wallpaper

It all started with the Europeans’ zeal to explore. From luxurious goods to Asian culture and academic knowledge – Europeans were fascinated with the far land of China.

European fascination with the exotic

Because trade between Europe and Asia became easier in the 17th century, Europeans got to experience a lot of Asian goods – spices, art, fabrics, porcelain, lacquerware, tea, and more. To own something from China was a true indicator of wealth and intelligence, so no wonder everyone wanted a piece of that.
But not everyone could afford it. So, to cater to those who were rich but not royalty-rich, European craftsmen started creating Asia and China-inspired art, furniture, interior items, porcelain, clocks, textiles, wall coverings (wallpaper and wall panels), and other goods.

The beginning of Chinoiserie wallpaper

One of the items that travelers brought back from Asia was Chinese-created wallcoverings. They were painted by hand on silk or rice paper and featured exotic landscapes, figures, and symbolic motifs. However, the cost of such a piece was so high that only a few households could afford it. People started looking for alternatives and soon China-inspired wallcoverings were created in Europe for a much cheaper price than the Asia-originals.

From luxury to mainstream

The Industrial Revolution made many luxury items more affordable to the middle class, including wallpaper. The mechanical press could create beautiful wallpaper designs much faster than human workers, and the wallpaper could have more intricate details and brighter colors. This invention also brought the Chinese wallpaper closer to the masses.

Chinoiserie wallpaper characteristics

The main characteristics of chinoiserie wallpaper of course are Asian-inspired motifs – from daily scenes to animal and plant life. But aside from that, there is also a characteristic color palette, other motifs, materials, and techniques. Let’s explore!

Color palette

The color palette of chinoiserie wallpaper made in China and made in Europe differs. Original Chinese wallcovering featured more natural and soft tones, while European brought in saturated and bold colors.

Soft Pastels

Pale blues, blush pinks, mint greens, and creamy whites are commonly used as colors in Chinese wallpaper. These were the colors used in wallcoverings that traveled from China to Europe. Later on, they created a serene and sophisticated backdrop for more saturated tones that were used by European artists.

Jewel Tones

European artists chose to add deep emerald greens, ruby reds, and rich gold to the Chinoiserie wallpapers. They were favored as luxurious tones, symbolizing wealth and opulence in Europe.

Metallic Accents

Gold and silver highlights emphasized certain elements, such as birds, flowers, or architectural motifs, adding depth and a sense of luxury. Unlike the heavy gilding seen in European Chinoiserie wallpapers, the use of gold in the original Chinese designs was subtle. For example, Chinese artists would outline leaves, birds, or architectural details with just a touch of gold.

Monochrome and Limited Palettes

Some Chinoiserie designs feature single-color or two-tone schemes, such as blue and white, mimicking Chinese porcelain.

Motifs

While the original Chinese wallpaper designs were rooted in cultural authenticity and naturalism, Europeans reimagined these motifs through their own lens of exoticism and fantasy. This often resulted in a more whimsical and exaggerated aesthetic. It reflected the Western perception of "the East" rather than the true Chinese culture.

Nature-inspired motifs

Chinese Originals

Chinese original wallcovering focused on realistic depictions of nature. Birds, flowers, and landscapes were portrayed with precise detail and naturalistic proportions. Motifs such as peonies, bamboo, and cranes were chosen for their deep symbolic meanings within Chinese culture.

European Chinoiserie

European artisans exaggerated and stylized natural elements to make them appear more exotic and fantastical. Flowers became oversized and ornamental, often blending species or inventing entirely new ones that didn’t exist in reality.

Architectural Elements

Chinese Originals

Chinese wallpaper included pagodas, pavilions, and arched bridges rendered with architectural accuracy, reflecting actual Chinese styles.

European Chinoiserie

Pagodas and pavilions were heavily stylized, often with added flourishes such as spires or fantastical shapes that didn’t exist in Chinese architecture.

Human Figures

Chinese Originals

Wallcoverings created in China depicted serene scenes of daily life, often featuring scholars, poets, or workers engaged in tranquil activities like tea drinking or calligraphy. Figures were usually painted in realistic settings, such as gardens or under trees, with clothing that reflected traditional Chinese attire.

European Chinoiserie

Human figures were often caricatured, with exaggerated poses and facial expressions. Scenes of Chinese life were reimagined as theatrical or fantastical, sometimes blending Chinese, Japanese, and even Indian elements into a single design.

Symbolic Elements

Chinese Originals

Motifs such as peonies, bamboo, and cranes were chosen for their deep symbolic meanings within Chinese culture. For example, cranes symbolized longevity, and bamboo represented resilience.

European Chinoiserie

The symbolic meaning of motifs was often lost or ignored. Instead, motifs were chosen for their decorative appeal and exotic charm. Scenes were designed to entertain and impress rather than to convey cultural meaning or spiritual harmony.

Mythical and Fantastical Elements

Chinese Originals

Dragons and phoenixes were sometimes included but were depicted in a restrained, symbolic manner consistent with Chinese mythology. Mythical elements were not the central focus of the design.

European Chinoiserie

Europeans greatly expanded the role of mythical creatures, creating hybrid animals and fantastical beasts that often had no basis in Chinese mythology. For example, dragons became a very popular main theme for Asian-inspired wallpapers. They were highly ornamental, with exaggerated features and dramatic poses.

Materials

Chinese artists originally used 3 types of materials for wallcoverings – silk, wood panels, and rice paper. Silk was a luxurious material that created the perfect surface for colors to pop and make beautiful artwork. Rice paper was a thin but sturdy material that was ideal for fine brushwork. Wood panels were created for high-status interiors. They were painted and lacquered.

 
Europeans on the other hand used materials that were available to them – paper, canvas, fabric, or plaster walls. Paper, canvas, and fabric materials were the beginnings of wallpaper. Europeans either hand-painted them or used the woodblock printing technique. For palaces or grand homes, artists hand-painted the scenes straight on the plaster walls.

Where to experience original Chinoiserie wallpaper?

There are still some places in Europe left where you can see the original Asian wallpaper created around the 18th century. Ready to travel and see some of them in real life? Let’s go!

1. The Royal Pavilion, Brighton (England)

The Royal Pavilion was built by George IV (first the prince, then the king). George IV was fascinated with Asian and Chinese art and culture, that’s why the Pavilion has lots of items straight from China or in Chinoiserie style. Including wallcovering and wallpapers. If you visit the Royal Pavilion, which is now turned into a Regency museum, you can see some of the original Chinoiserie wallcoverings.

2. Chinese Lacquer Cabinet in Schloss Nymphenburg (Germany)

The palace features a famous Chinoiserie room known as the “Lacquer Cabinet”. Its walls are adorned with black lacquer wood panels and wallpaper showcasing scenes from a Chinese novel. The room is open to visitors as part of the Nymphenburg Palace exhibition.

3. The Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm Palace (Sweden)

The Chinese Pavilion of Drottningholm Place holds many rooms that have different Chinoiserie wall coverings and other decor elements. You can see original Chinoiserie silk wallpaper as well as lacquer wall panels there.

Chinoiserie Wallpaper today

Asian wallpaper has a timeless elegance that is still on trend today. The sophisticated color scheme and cultural motifs are perfect for an intelligent and cozy home. You can get a hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper or go for a more affordable option – digitally printed wallpaper. With today's technology, it is possible to get amazing designs printed straight on the wallpaper to achieve the same quality that in the 18th century took months for Chinese artists to master.

How to incorporate Chinoiserie wallpaper into your home

The Chinoiserie motifs have a delicate touch and a calming color palette, so they are perfect for the bedroom or powder room. This style also goes very well with other rooms in the house, for example, living room or hallway. You can pair it with sleek modern furniture or look for more historic pieces – either way, the Chinoiserie wallpaper will look good. 

Here are some Chinoiserie-inspired wallpapers you can start decorating your house today!

 
Petals and Wings Wallpaper – This wallpaper is Chinoiserie-inspired in pastel colors featuring branches, birds, flowers, and butterflies.

 
Birds and The Trees Wallpaper – You can get this wallpaper with a Blue or Pink background, but either way, it has the Chinoiserie style lightness, and elegance. The color palette is neutral yet enticing.

 
Blooming Garden Wallpaper – This wallpaper is full of exotic flowers, colorful fruit, and amazing birds. You get the mysterious vibes that intrigued the 18th-century Europeans so much.

In conclusion

The Chinoiserie wallpaper still holds a fascination today. It’s delicate, it’s intricate, it’s mysterious yet elegant. It has a special place in the interior design history of Europe and it keeps finding ways to be a part of the modern interior design scene as well.