Roman plate with vegetal decoration

ITEM: Plate with vegetal decoration
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman, North Africa
PERIOD: 3rd - 5th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 63 mm x 298 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acqcuired between 1980s - 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman plates with vegetal decoration from the North African region during the 3rd to 5th centuries AD reflect the cultural and artistic exchange that characterized the Roman Empire's diverse provinces. North Africa, particularly regions such as modern-day Tunisia and Algeria, was known for its fertile lands and agricultural abundance, which influenced the motifs and themes depicted on pottery and other artifacts. These plates often featured intricate vegetal designs, including leaves, vines, flowers, and fruit, which were skillfully rendered by artisans using techniques such as relief molding, incising, and painting.

The vegetal decoration found on these Roman plates served both aesthetic and symbolic purposes. The motifs were inspired by the natural world and reflected the agricultural practices and botanical diversity of North Africa. Depictions of lush foliage and bountiful harvests symbolized prosperity, fertility, and abundance, conveying messages of wealth and well-being to those who used or admired these plates. Additionally, the vegetal motifs may have held religious significance, representing connections to fertility deities or seasonal rituals associated with agricultural cycles and the changing of the seasons.

Roman plates with vegetal decoration from North Africa were not only functional vessels for serving and consuming food but also objects of cultural exchange and artistic expression. These plates were produced for local consumption as well as for export to other regions within the Roman Empire, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of North African artisans to a wider audience.