Ancient Terracotta Beaker, Roman North Africa (3195B-PLK) $325
$325.00
H: 2.675” W: 3” | FREE SHIPPING!
An uncomplicated ancient earthenware cup wih no handle, this rests on a short foot. Its body curves upand rises to meet a neck topped with an everted rim to lessen spillage It has a wide mouth for easy drinking, and the rim two-tones: a slight terracotta red and its crème slip. Its shape is exquisite. Although there are expected minor chips and scratches, earth adherents and minor losses of the slip, it is in excellent condition, beautiful in its simplicity and one of our favorite pieces in the VA collection.
Description
This earthenware cup is called a beaker, a term used by archeologists to describe small cups without a handle and held in the hands similar to Japanese ceramic teacups that also warm one’s hands. Made in Africa-Proconsularis (the Roman North Africa province) using a pottery wheel, this utilitarian globular cup is low-fired, thin and covered with a crème colored slip which darkened slightly during its burial. The rim is two-toned with the inside and outside in a slight terracotta red and the area between them having a crème slip. A form of functional pottery called Coarse Wares made for the poor, the body is very simple and embellished only with extremely subtle, shallow ribs made with a brush held against the outer wall while the pottery wheel was turning. It is very plain, yet its shape is strikingly beautiful, and this piece is one of our favorite ceramic items in the VA collection.
Additional information
| Weight | 5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 × 6 × 6 in |
| Place of Origin | Ancient Mediterranean |
| Period | Ancient, Roman Empire |
| Date | 1st-3rd Century C.E. |
| Materials and Technique | Terracotta |
| Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 2.675 Dia: 3” |
| Dimensions (metric) | Ht: 6.79cm Dia: 7.62cm |
| Weight | 4.1oz |
| Condition | Good to fair, see description |
| Item Number | 3195B-PLK |
