Rozenburg, Den Haag, 1901
Artist: Sam Schellink
Tiny defect at the bottom
This exquisite vase, crafted in 1901 by Sam Schellink, stands 27.5 cm tall (10.8 inches) and features a beautifully detailed bird surrounded by elegant Art Nouveau lines. The vase carries a rare label from Majorelle Nancy, suggesting it was sold in France by the renowned French designer. Despite a tiny defect at the bottom, the vase remains a remarkable piece of Rozenburg’s famed eggshell porcelain.
Rozenburg pottery, after years of experimentation, began producing this delicate porcelain in 1899. It gained widespread acclaim at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris, leading to acquisitions by prestigious museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Rozenburg’s eggshell porcelain, often featuring Asian-inspired motifs of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, remains a pinnacle of Dutch Art Nouveau.
This vase is not only a stunning decorative piece but also a rare example of cross-cultural influence and artistic excellence, representing Rozenburg’s significant impact on early 20th-century design.