Commerce

1667 · réf. ABC_50810 — 1667. Ca. 23.5 x 26.5 cm and ca. 20 x 24 cm. With a woodcut decorated initial on each ordinance. Two closely related Dutch Republic broadsides both concerned with the suppression of fraud in the spice trade under the monopoly and protection of the Dutch East India Company. Together they form a vivid legal response to widespread commercial adulteration of imported spices particularly pepper nutmeg and mace reflecting both the economic importance and vulnerability of the Dutch spice trade in the 17th century. Both texts are issued as public ordinances intended for proclamation and posting throughout the provinces and both impose heavy fines and confiscation for violations alongside rewards for informants and penalties distributed between officials and local relief funds.The first proclamation from 16 September 1667 responds to reports of severely compromised pepper entering the Dutch Republic via England explicitly referencing the aftermath of the Great Fire of London. The text describes “burnt pepper” imported after the disaster which is said to retain only the outward appearance of pepper while being stripped of all quality and even emitting a foul smell. Authorities warn that such material is being mixed with genuine spice and sold fraudulently undermining both consumers and the reputation of the VOC.The second later and more extensive proclamation of 22 November 1669 significantly broadens the scope of earlier regulations. Rather than focusing solely on pepper it addresses systematic adulteration across a wide range of spices including pepper nutmeg mace and powdered spice residues. It describes the importation of “dust powder and refuse” of spices from abroad which are being reprocessed and mixed with genuine goods or artificially manipulated such as being moistened with water to increase weight and deceive buyers.The margins of both of the ordinances are cut short the first ordinance shows some browning and a minor tear. Otherwise in good condition. unknown