Gezicht op een Chinese winkel op de Wereldtentoonstelling van Antwerpen in 1894 1894

Charles Bernhoeft made this photograph of a ‘Chinese shop’ at the Antwerp World Fair in 1894. The photo presents ideas about trade, cultural exchange, and national identity. World Fairs like the one in Antwerp were key sites for countries to display their achievements, including, in this instance, by showcasing different cultures. The photo captures a shop filled with Chinese goods and staffed by Chinese people. In this instance, it references the complex history of European colonialism and trade with China in the 19th century, a period marked by unequal treaties and the exploitation of Chinese resources. The World Fair provided a stage to promote intercultural understanding, but it also reinforced existing power dynamics. To understand this image better, we might research the history of World Fairs and the role they played in shaping global perceptions. We might also investigate the Belgian colonial history and its relationship with China. Studying photographs like this will provide insights into the social and political context of its time.