Roman bowl fragment with decoration

ITEM: Bowl fragment with decoration
MATERIAL: Terra Sigillata
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 77 mm x 100 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, fragmentary
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Galerie Mythes et Légendes (1989), Ex private collection, J.P., 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 vessels were highly prized in the Roman world, particularly during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, and played a crucial role in both domestic and social settings. This fine, red-glossed pottery was made using a slip technique that gave it a smooth, shiny finish, a characteristic that made it distinct from other types of Roman pottery. The production of terra sigillata was centralized in various regions, with major workshops in places like Arretium (modern Arezzo) in Italy, and later in Gaul (modern France) and the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. These vessels, which included bowls, plates, cups, and pitchers, were used for dining and drinking, and they often featured intricate designs, including stamped or molded patterns depicting mythological figures, gods, and everyday scenes.

The popularity of terra sigillata was not just due to its aesthetic appeal but also its practical advantages. The glossy finish made these vessels easier to clean, and the durability of the material made them suitable for regular use. Terra sigillata vessels were often found in Roman homes, baths, military forts, and even in tombs, which underscores their widespread use and value. In some cases, these vessels served as status symbols, as their production required specialized skills, and the designs were sometimes personalized to reflect the owner's identity or preferences. The vessels' standardized production allowed for wide distribution throughout the empire, facilitating trade and economic connections across vast regions.

In addition to their everyday utility, terra sigillata vessels also played a significant role in Roman culture and society. They were frequently used during banquets, or convivia, where they symbolized Roman luxury and refinement. The decorated surfaces of these vessels often depicted themes of Roman leisure, including gladiatorial combat, mythological tales, or scenes of drinking and revelry, all of which reflected the cultural values of the time.