Twee Chinese jonken, 1607 1644 - 1646

This engraving from 1607, made by an anonymous artist, depicts two Chinese junks. Flags atop each ship bear witness to the symbolic representation of power and authority. Throughout history, flags have served as potent symbols across cultures and continents. Think of the Roman standards, or the banners of medieval knights. These emblems were not mere decorations; they were declarations of identity, signaling allegiance and marking territory. Here, the flags evoke a sense of the exotic, embodying the allure and mystery of the East. They appear as recurring motifs in the Western imagination, their wavy shapes becoming synonymous with foreign lands and overseas exploration. Consider, too, the psychological impact of these ships sailing into view. Like dreams surfacing from the depths of the unconscious, the ships stir a sense of longing and curiosity, reflecting the human desire to explore beyond known horizons. The flags become more than cloth; they’re emotional markers on a sea of possibilities, where trade, conquest, and cultural exchange converge.