The exact origin of paper quilling is not known, but the art is very old. Some sources suggest that it was practiced by the ancient Egyptians who were well known for their decorative work in precious metals.

Paper quilling was not a major art form. So there is limited documentation about it.
Quilling is also called or known as paper filigree. Filigree has been found on ancient Greek and Egyptian tombs. During that ancient time (fourth and fifth centuries), quilling was done with fine wire or metal. The art of rolling paper was first developed to copy the gold and silver filigree work by the nuns of European monasteries to embellish religious plaques and relics. They were often painted gold to resemble metal filigree work.

Quilling or paper filigree is the art of rolling, shaping and bending thin strips of paper into delicate looking shapes and using these pieces to form a design. A quilled work can never be exactly duplicated from piece to piece because the styles of quillwork vary from artist to artist, in the same way as painting does.