Wachthuis in Japan; Goochelaars en acrobaten 1682 - 1733

Romeyn de Hooghe created this print, titled "Wachthuis in Japan; Goochelaars en acrobaten" sometime between 1645 and 1708 using etching techniques. The artwork offers a glimpse into how the Dutch perceived Japan during a time when cross-cultural interactions were shaped by trade and colonial ambitions. De Hooghe, who never traveled to Japan, presents a vision of the country that blends observations with imaginative interpretations. We see guards playing games, acrobats, and magicians. These images tell us not only about the cultural exchange between the Netherlands and Japan, but also the social roles that these performers might have played in a foreign context. It highlights the themes of cultural exchange and the exoticisation of foreign lands, reflecting the complex relationship between the Netherlands and Japan during this period.