Chinese paintings and wall art have become a core category for retailers, hospitality brands and interior decorators worldwide. From canvas prints for budget-conscious buyers to hand-finished artwork for hotels and corporate offices, China offers an enormous variety at competitive prices.

If you want to buy and export paintings from China but aren’t sure where to start, this guide walks you through the essentials – and shows how Wigmore Trading can support you at every step.

Why import Chinese paintings for your business?

China is one of the world’s major hubs for mass-produced and semi-handcrafted paintings. For importers, wholesalers and project buyers, this brings several advantages:

• Wide product range – abstract art, landscapes, cityscapes, traditional Chinese themes, kids’ designs, modern minimalist prints and more.

• Scalable volumes – from small trial orders to containers of assorted wall art for large retailers and distributors.

• Competitive pricing – efficient production and clustering of suppliers keeps unit costs low, even after freight and duties.

For buyers serving African markets, the Middle East, Europe or the UK, importing paintings from China can open profitable new SKUs in home décor, furniture, gifting, and hospitality fit-out projects.

Key considerations before you export paintings from China

Before placing your first order, it’s important to plan the basics of your export strategy.

1. Define your target customer and price point

Are you supplying:

• Value-focused supermarkets and discount chains?

• Mid-range furniture and décor stores?

• High-end hotels, offices or luxury homes?

Your answer will determine:

• The quality of canvases, frames and printing.

• Whether you focus on canvas prints, framed art, hand-painted pieces or posters.

• Acceptable landed cost per piece – guiding your negotiation with Chinese suppliers.

2. Understand product specifications

When you export paintings from China, clear specifications avoid costly misunderstandings:

• Size (e.g. 40x60cm, 60x90cm)

• Type (hand-painted oil/acrylic, giclée print, digital print on canvas, framed print)

• Frame material (MDF, solid wood, metal, no frame / rolled canvas)

• Packing details (individual box, corner protectors, bulk cartons)

• Hanging fittings (hooks, wires, D-rings installed or not)

Wigmore Trading can help you standardise these specifications so they match your market’s expectations and retailer requirements.

3. Check regulations and import duties

Paintings and wall art usually fall under specific HS codes relating to printed pictures or original paintings. Your duties will depend on:

• Your destination country

• Whether the goods are considered original artworks or decorative prints

• Any trade agreements or preferential tariffs your market may have

A trading partner like Wigmore Trading can coordinate with your customs broker to classify your products correctly and estimate landed costs before you commit to large orders.

Choosing suppliers when you buy paintings from China

Finding the right factory or trading house is critical to long-term success.

Vetting potential suppliers

When evaluating suppliers for Chinese paintings:

• Request high-resolution photos and sample pieces to assess colour, finish and frame quality.

• Confirm they can handle your MOQ (minimum order quantity) and repeat orders.

• Ask about experience with export markets similar to yours (e.g. West Africa, Southern Africa, GCC, UK).

• Check lead times, especially during peak seasons and major holidays.

Wigmore Trading works with established painting and wall art manufacturers in China, helping you avoid unreliable suppliers and quality issues.

Quality control and consistency

Art is visual, and quality problems are quickly noticed by customers. Common issues include:

• Colours not matching the catalogue or online listing

• Poorly stretched canvas

• Damaged corners or frames on arrival

• Inconsistent print clarity

To reduce these risks:

• Insist on pre-production samples for approval.

• Use third-party inspections or Wigmore Trading’s on-the-ground checks before shipment.

• Agree in advance how defects and breakages will be handled (replacements, credit notes etc.).

Shipping and customs: how to export paintings from China smoothly

Packing and protection

Paintings can be fragile, especially framed pieces with glass. Good packaging reduces damages:

• Corner protectors and bubble wrap for each frame

• Strong cartons with internal dividers

• “Fragile” markings and palletisation where possible

Wigmore Trading coordinates with factories to ensure your paintings are packed to withstand long-distance shipping and handling at ports.

Choosing the right mode of transport

How you export paintings from China depends on urgency and order size:

• Sea freight (FCL or LCL) – most cost-effective for bulk orders and container loads.

• Air freight – suitable for urgent retail replenishment or smaller, higher-value shipments.

• Rail or multimodal options – in some corridors, this offers a balance of cost and speed.

A logistics partner that understands both the Chinese export system and your destination market can help you choose the best Incoterms and routes.

How Wigmore Trading simplifies exporting paintings from China

Working directly with multiple new suppliers in China can be time-consuming and risky. Wigmore Trading can help you:

• Source reliably – recommending vetted factories that already export to similar markets.

• Consolidate shipments – combining different art styles and SKUs into a single container to reduce logistics costs.

• Manage quality control – organising inspections and sample checks based on your standards.

• Handle documentation – commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates where needed, and shipping coordination.

• Advise on market fit – suggesting designs and price points that sell well in African and other emerging markets.

Instead of juggling many contacts, you work with one experienced trading partner who understands both Chinese suppliers and your local customers.

Getting started with Wigmore Trading

If you’re ready to buy and export paintings from China, a structured approach will save time and money:

1. Share your target market, customer profile and price range.

2. Review a curated selection of designs, sizes and quality levels.

3. Approve samples and final specifications.

4. Confirm order volumes and shipping preferences.

5. Let Wigmore Trading manage supplier coordination, inspection and logistics.

Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, project buyer or distributor, Wigmore Trading can help you turn Chinese paintings into a profitable, reliable product line.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about sourcing and exporting paintings and wall art from China to your market.