Huize Deshima

The building at Havik 13 was named Deshima in 1976 by its owner at the time. Prior to that, it served as a merchant’s house. Inspired by his interest in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) era, the owner named the building after the former Dutch trading post Deshima in Japan. He also crafted the weather vane himself in the shape of a VOC ship.

The trading settlement of Deshima existed from 1641 to 1859 and was located on a small island near the port of Nagasaki. Starting in 1641, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) held the exclusive right to trade with Japan under certain conditions. For example, Dutch merchants were not allowed to leave the island to travel further into Japan. All trade took place via Deshima.

The name “Havik 13” dates back to 1976. How do we view that today? Would anyone still name a house after a colonial trading post?