New Forest Decorative Bowl

Details

This is a Roman bowl made in the style of vessels uncovered during excavations of the New Forest kilns in Hampshire, one of Roman Britain's most prolific pottery production centres during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD.

New Forest pottery is a distinctive Romano-British ware, recognised for its fine texture and the variety of forms produced—ranging from tableware and storage jars to more decorative vessels. It is particularly noted for its smooth surface, red slip finishes, and, at times, delicate decorative elements like applied reliefs, barbotine decoration, or painted motifs.

The region’s success in pottery production was due to an ideal combination of local resources: high-quality clay, abundant timber for kiln fuel, and access to fresh water. These conditions gave rise to a network of potteries and kilns spread across the area, which appear to have operated continuously over many years. New kilns were often built close to older ones once they had become unusable, suggesting a thriving and organised ceramic industry.

Excavated examples from this area reveal that bowls such as this were commonly used in domestic settings, for serving food, storing grains, or preparing meals. This replica reflects the functional yet elegant nature of New Forest pottery—simple in form, but carefully made.

Materials
Terracotta clay, fired under reduction conditions

Dimensions
Height: Approx. 95 mm
Diameter: Approx. 195 mm

Production

We have handmade this Roman bowl in our Northumberland studio, based closely on original New Forest artefacts. It has been wood-fired to between 800°C and 1000°C, using techniques that replicate the methods employed by Roman potters almost two thousand years ago.

This process results in natural variations of surface colour and texture, just as it would have done in ancient times. Each piece is unique, bearing the subtle marks of the fire and the individuality of handmade craftsmanship.

Health & Safety
Museum-Quality Replica: Made using the tools and techniques that Roman potters would have used during the Roman era.
Not food safe: As this is an unglazed earthenware pot, the surface remains porous, which means it will absorb the flavours and oils of anything stored or served in it. While this could add to the flavour of repeat use, it also means the vessel does not meet modern health and safety standards for storing or serving food.
For display purposes only: While some enthusiasts use replicas like this in experimental archaeology or demonstration, it is done at their own risk.
In Roman practice, pots were often heated with their contents to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes, which would have killed most harmful bacteria. Temperatures of 100°C or more would provide greater protection.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together when all items are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

A tactile tribute to one of Roman Britain’s most productive pottery regions, this New Forest-style bowl brings the simplicity and strength of ancient craftsmanship into your hands.