Roman plate with maker's mark and decoration

ITEM: Plate with maker's mark and decoration
MATERIAL: Terra Sigillata
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 155 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Galerie Mythes et Legendes (1989), Ex private collection, J.P., Zúrich, Switzerland

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 terra sigillata plates were a hallmark of fine tableware in the Roman Empire, prized for their smooth, glossy surfaces and distinctive red-orange hue. This type of pottery, meaning "stamped earth," was mass-produced using molds and featured decorative motifs such as geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and floral designs. Originating in the late Republic and flourishing during the early Imperial period (1st century BCE–3rd century CE), terra sigillata was primarily produced in regions such as Arretium (modern Arezzo, Italy), Gaul, and later in provincial centers across the empire. These plates, along with bowls and cups, were widely traded and found in domestic, military, and commercial contexts, highlighting their significance in Roman dining culture.

The production process of terra sigillata involved high-quality clay, careful molding techniques, and a fine slip coating that, when fired in oxidizing kilns, created the characteristic glossy finish. Many plates bore makers' stamps, identifying specific workshops or potters and allowing archaeologists to trace production centers and trade routes. The designs on these plates often reflected contemporary artistic trends, including scenes from mythology, gladiatorial combat, and everyday life, making them not only functional but also decorative. The standardization of production methods enabled the mass distribution of terra sigillata, making it one of the most recognizable forms of Roman pottery.