Sporen van Smaragd: Indisch Erfgoed in Den Haag, 1853-1945

The Hague has been a center of international traffic for centuries. The link with the former Dutch East Indies occupies an important place in the city's history. The commercial and cultural exchange with the 'Gordel van Smaragd' has left traces in the cityscape that are now considered 'typically Hague'.  Because these “Indische” features can be lost during renovation, demolition and urban renewal, the Monuments Care and Welfare department of the Municipality of The Hague started the “Sporen van Smaragd” project. Dutch-Indies heritage buildings from the period of 1853-1945 was mapped. This publication offers an introduction to the subject and provides an overview of dozens of beautiful buildings in The Hague with an Indisch past.

In the nineteenth century, interior decorations of government buildings were aimed at emanating authority over the colony, while international companies used facade decorations to send the message to consumers that they were also there for them in the Dutch East Indies. In the luxurious villas of returnees, memories of the Dutch East Indies were contained in a Javanese name, facade sculpture or stained glass. Architects born in the Indies often opted for the clean lines of the New Hague School, while cultural exchange took place in practice in the inconspicuous homes of artists and authors.  Around 1900, Indische tokos sprang up like mushrooms, and migrants met in society buildings.

Architecture is therefore related to community building. Monuments  have not only a building-historical value; they are a reflection of the social, cultural or religious context in which they came about. That is why this book is not only pays attention to buildings with specific Indische characteristics, but also the former owners and residents. The facades and interiors reflect their identity, ambitions and memories. The publication “Sporen van Smaragd. Indisch erfgoed in Den Haag, 1853-1945” portrays the material outcome of the exchange between East and West, which has had both positive and negative aspects.

Hardcover

Book condition: Near fine. Covers have light general wear plus a minor label abrasion on the back cover. Internally very clean

Dust jacket condition: No jacket as issued

Authors: Andréa A. Kroon and Audrey Wagtberg Hansen

Dimensions: 24 x 31 cm

Print length: 368 Pages

Language: Dutch

Publication date: 2013

Publisher: De Nieuwe Haagsche, The Hague

ISBN: ‎ 9789491168307