ITEM: Bowl
MATERIAL: Terra Sigillata
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 37 mm x 176 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

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 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman bowls, an essential component of ancient Roman dining ware, showcase the rich diversity and sophistication of Roman ceramic artistry. These bowls, used for a variety of purposes including serving food, mixing ingredients, and holding liquids, were made from a range of materials such as clay, glass, and metal. The most common material was pottery, which was readily available and versatile. Roman pottery bowls were typically crafted using a wheel and then fired in a kiln, resulting in durable and functional pieces that were used in both everyday and ceremonial contexts.

One of the most notable types of Roman pottery bowls is the Terra Sigillata, also known as Samian ware, which was produced primarily in Gaul (modern-day France) and Italy. These bowls are distinguished by their smooth, glossy red slip and fine, detailed decorations, which often included motifs of mythology, animals, and everyday life scenes. Terra Sigillata bowls were highly prized for their aesthetic qualities and were widely traded throughout the Roman Empire, indicating their popularity and the high regard in which they were held. The production of these bowls involved sophisticated techniques, including the use of molds to create intricate designs, showcasing the advanced level of Roman ceramic craftsmanship.

Roman glass bowls, another significant category, illustrate the technological advancements and artistic innovations of the time. Glass blowing, which became widespread during the Roman period, allowed for the creation of delicate and finely crafted glass bowls. These items were often decorated with vibrant colors and intricate patterns achieved through techniques such as millefiori (a mosaic-like pattern) and cameo glass (where layers of glass are carved to create images in relief). Glass bowls were luxury items and were often used in elite households for special occasions, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners.