Fragment of a Wall Covering, anonymous, c. 1680
Chintz was used in all manner of ways throughout Europe in the 17th century. The VOC was the linchpin in this development: in 1668 the VOC in Suratte (North-West India) ordered no fewer than a thousand wall coverings with pillar motifs. This fragment with large floral and torsade (twisted trim) patterns was used to line a straw hat, which was fashionable in the province of Zeeland in the 18th century.