Expected: Chinese wallpaper

Welcome and step inside the 18th-century room of Breda. East and West come together in the interior: from French paneling to Chinese wallpaper.

In the 18th century, it was a trend to have objects from Asia in the home. Through the trading routes of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), various goods from the ‘Far East’ made their way to the Netherlands. Wallpaper, which was exclusively made to order, also ended up in Ginnekenstraat in Breda. There, the enterprising and prosperous couple Cantzlaar - Kamerling lived. They decorated their reception room with wall-to-wall wallpaper featuring intimate Cantonese scenes. Combined with the Louis XVI-style framing, it created a fusion of styles.

Step inside and discover the story behind this extraordinary wallpaper and the remarkable buyers in Chinese wallpaper – Grandeur in the Ginnekenstraat.

Grandeur in de Ginnekenstraat

In the room, we introduce you to the residents: Hugo Cantzlaar and his wife Geertruij Kamerling. With their influential connections and significant financial resources, the couple was able to afford this exceptional interior. From May 1787 to 1800, this room was the heart of their home, where business was conducted, joys and sorrows were shared, and plans for the future were made. But where did their wealth come from? And how did these trends end up in a home on Ginnekenstraat?

Interior Trends in the 18th Century

Chinese wallpaper, a Buddha statue, silver or porcelain: for centuries, we have used our interiors to show who we are. The 18th-century wall covering from Ginnekenstraat is a prime example of this. Often, flowers or birds were depicted on wallpaper, but this particular version shows scenes from daily life in China. It's truly eye-catching!

Together with the framing in the French Louis XVI style, they form a unique ensemble. Both styles were popular but very different. The wallpaper is colorful and detailed, while the Louis XVI style is sober and symmetrical, with neoclassical elements such as garlands and vases.