Romano-British Nene Valley Beaker

Circa Early 3rd Century AD

Description: Superb, excellently large Romano-British color coated ware beaker. Originally used for drinking, this beaker is notable among its class for its large size with a capacity for 40 ounces of liquid. The shape is typical of types found on the Romano-British frontier: wide open mouth, swelling body and narrow foot with ring base. The decorative pattern on this genre of beakers often shows a subtle Celtic influence as is the case on this beaker. It is a free-hand pattern custom designed for this particular beaker. Much contemporary pottery was mold made with mass produced designs. Trails of slip are applied by hand, weaving an intricate pattern of vines and tendrils. A single band of hand pressed rouletting borders the vines and tendrils above and below. Two impressed grooves above. The exterior surface is a fairly even shade of matte black. A large and truly exceptional example of the finest ancient Roman pottery from Britain.

Height: 6.75 in. (17 cm)
Rim Diameter: 4 in. (10 cm)

Condition: The vessel has been expertly repaired, original in its entirety. Good color and overall nicely preserved surface.

Provenance: The beaker was formerly a British property, acquired prior to 1995.

Background: The most pervasive pottery in the first and second centuries AD were the red samian wares generally supplied by manufacturing centers in Gaul. Red pottery was the norm throughout the Empire. Around the third century, there was a general collapse of the Gaulish manufacturing industry. A number of British potters took advantage of the lack of goods coming from Gaul and began producing the highly recognizable red slip wares popular during that period. British red ware never achieved the same popularity as those from Gaul, perhaps because of the different quality of the local clay, or possibly because of the prestige associated with the imported wares. Around the third century, the British area of the Nene Valley came to be regarded as one of the most important sources for native British pottery. Not only did the Nene Valley potters produce red wares, but they also introduced a variety of new styles reflecting a native British style. The local clay of the Nene Valley appears to have been well suited for producing color coated wares such as this fine vessel.

Color coated beakers were produced in the Rhineland before they appeared in Britain. Due to their remarkable similarities, scholars speculate British workshops were organized by migrant Rhineland potters.

Price: $ 8,000

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