Roman vessel

ITEM: Vessel
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 110 mm x 253 mm diameter
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 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 vessels, encompassing a wide range of pottery, glass, and metalwork, were integral to daily life in ancient Rome. These vessels served diverse functions, from holding food and liquids to being used in religious rituals and burial practices. Common pottery vessels, such as amphorae, dolia, and craters, were made primarily of terracotta and were used to store and transport wine, oil, and grain. The mass production of these vessels, particularly in workshops across Italy, Gaul, and North Africa, made them widely available throughout the Roman Empire. Their designs ranged from simple utilitarian forms to more elaborate, decorated pieces, often featuring reliefs, inscriptions, and painted designs that depicted mythological scenes, daily life, and symbols of power.

Glass vessels, which became increasingly popular during the Roman Empire, were a significant advancement in Roman craftsmanship. Techniques like glassblowing, developed around the 1st century BCE, allowed for the mass production of delicate glass cups, bottles, bowls, and vases. These vessels were prized for their transparency and ability to capture light, making them especially popular among the elite for dining and display purposes. Many Roman glass vessels were decorated with intricate designs, including molded patterns, applied trails of glass, and even gilded details. Glass became a symbol of luxury, and its widespread use in the empire helped shape Roman aesthetic preferences, from simple everyday drinking cups to elaborate decorative pieces found in wealthy households and tombs.

Roman metal vessels, often made from silver, bronze, or pewter, were primarily used for ceremonial purposes, including religious rituals and banquets. Silverware, in particular, was a status symbol and was often intricately decorated with motifs that reflected the wealth and cultural influences of the owner. Metal vessels were also crafted in specialized forms for specific functions, such as calices (chalices) for drinking wine during rituals or patera (shallow bowls) used in sacrifices to the gods. Many of these metal vessels were finely engraved or repoussé, showcasing the skill of Roman artisans.