Ancient Earthenware Shallow Bowl, Roman North Africa (3184PKM) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

Earthenware bowls and other pottery items were produced locally in Roman North Africa after the Roman Empire expanded there and established ceramic production centers in the province called Africa-Proconsularis. Ceramics were shipped throughout the Empire on the same routes of their other exports from North Africa. Made using a wheel, this bowl is covered with a pleasing slip to make it more impermeable and avoid leakage. Functional wares for the masses categorized as coarse wares were often covered with a crème or beige slip to make it less porous and sometimes red paint or a slip might be added to the lip, as here, to make items more decorative and pleasing. Similar bowls this had thicker flaring walls but rarely had designs or decorations, as they were only applied to fine wares for the upper classes. This fine piece has taller, thinner and lighter walls and a short, round foot. Its the wall constricts just before the rim and is vertical on the outside yet flares in on the inside. The addition of red at the rim results in a pleasing color variation. This is one of our many favorites in our collection and is in excellent condition despite expected slip losses, slight darkening from its probable burial, minor rim chips and mineral deposits all of which are expected for its age and use.