Roman Samian Bowl
The bowl is a copy of Samian ware, found in this country near the sites of big Roman towns, such as Colchester. Samian ware was expensive because it was imported from France, or Gaul as it was called in Roman times. It was used by people who could not afford silver and glass eating vessels but wanted something better than ordinary local pottery. Samian ware came in many shapes and sizes, some functional and some decorative. This bowl was used to hold food and is the equivalent of 'best china', or the type of pottery used to serve food on special occasions.
The bowl is hand thrown, and is the distinctive red colour that characterises all Samian pottery. This is because it was made from clay containing iron oxide. The bowl is very elegant. A circular ridge on the base of the bowl lifts it off the table. A rim around the top of the bowl ensures ease of grip. The bowl is decorated with a simple geometric pattern, pressed into the clay before it was fired. A maker's mark was often found pottery like this, such as 'Marcus fecit' meaning 'Marcus made this'. Larger pieces of Samian ware would be decorated inside as well as outside with motifs such as flowers and animals.
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Dimensions: Height:5.2cm Diameter:13.8cm |
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