The earliest "foreign painting" was a means for foreign tobacco companies to promote cigarettes in China around the First World War. This rectangular picture made of thick paper is slightly larger than the spark (matchbox cover picture). In foreign paintings, exquisite patterns are printed, such as "Water Margin" with 108 generals. Every pack of cigarettes is equipped with a "general". Collect a certain number of prescribed patterns and get a pack of cigarettes for free. Later, foreign things served China, and foreign paintings became a pocket-sized enlightenment reading. In the past, foreign paintings were often sold in cigarette and paper shops. Historical stories, flowers and birds, fish, insects, opera characters, etc. They are all printed on pictures, and some pictures are printed with riddles matching the picture patterns on the back.

Different regions have different names. In Shanghai, foreign paintings are called "cigarette brands". In Guangzhou, foreign paintings are called "doll paper"; In the northwest, foreign paintings are also called "shooting generals"; In the northeast, children call foreign paintings "playing with the skin" (now it is called "playing cards" instead of using round cards).

A penny can buy ten cheap foreign paintings, which are very popular with children. Children prefer to collect foreign paintings, which can be appreciated as enlightenment books and become an "alternative" toy.