A superbly decorative and rare set of four Chinoiserie wallpaper panels, exquisitely hand-painted with exotic birds and butterflies in the garden, on a pale pink background. In faux bamboo frames.
China, Canton, Qing dynasty, early 19th century.
 
Why we like them
The exquisite quality of decoration and the miraculous state of preservation for a decorative artwork on paper make these panels a truly rare find. The subtlety of colours, bold yet not garish, lend a 'noble' look to the piece.
 
History
Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. 
The young Frederick, the Prince of Wales (future King George IV) was often described as having a wildly extravagant taste in decorating his palaces. As early as 1801, the Prince had been completely taken by Oriental tastes and began to expand his existing coastal Brighton retreat. Having been presented a gift of Chinese wallpaper, he ordered a Chinese Gallery to display the new paper. The 162-foot long room was contrived of painted glass decorated with flowers, insects, fruit and birds. The Prince's desire for additional structures in the Oriental manner resulted in commissioning the fashionable architect John Nash and the designer Frederick Crace to create his dream folly, now known as the Royal Pavilion. Faux-bamboo was in fact a dominant theme for the Pavilion's interiors, including the staircase railings, wallpaper mouldings, furniture and etc.
 
Condition
Signs of age and wear to edges, occasional rubbing and touchups to decoration. Mounted on painted wooden frames in early 20th century.