a rare Rozenburg eggshell porcelain inkwell, painted by J. L. Verbeek Wolthuys 1900

the rectangular base with inkwell cast in one piece, the rim with indentations for a pen, the well with original eggshell porcelain liner and cover 

Cf.: Rozenburg catalogue 2007, p. 142, 143, fig. 146

A very small firing crack running down from the rim of the inkwell over circa 3 mm, a few needle point imperfections to the base rim, the liner severely cracked and with a repaired chip (glued, an old repair since the cracks have filled with ink), the cover with a small crack in the outside rim (circa 5 mm long), ink stains along the lower and inside rim of the cover, two stains slightly visible from the outside, the white ground of the inkwell bright and without crackle, the top covered in fine dence light crackle.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1899, H. M. Wilhelmina, the young Queen of The Netherlands, visited the Rozenburg factory, accompanied by the Queen-Mother Emma. During their tour through the factory, they lingered admiringly at the collection of brand-new eggshell ready to be shipped to Paris for the 1900 World Exhibition. At the end of their visit, the royal company signed the Rozenburg guest-book, using an eggshell inkwell of the same model as the one here offered for sale, decorated by Schellink with chrysanthemums. Soon after, the inkwell was donated by Rozenburg director Jurriaan Kok to the The Hague Municipal Museum, with a letter stating that this was the first piece of the new porcelain being used.