Diana Samian Ware Bowl

Handcrafted Replica Roman Samian Ware Bowl – Diana & Wild Animals

Details
This beautifully crafted replica of a Roman Samian ware bowl, dating from the second century, depicts Diana, the goddess of hunting, surrounded by various wild animals. It has been meticulously recreated using the same hand-forming techniques that would have been employed by Roman potters nearly 1,900 years ago. As with all decorated Samian Ware bowls, the recreation process begins with the making of a set of punches that replicate the exact designs and dimensions used by the original mould maker. These punches are carved from fine terracotta clay and, once fired, are used to create the design within a bowl mould.

The mould is then fired to 1,000°C and mounted onto a potter’s wheel, where, while spinning at speed, the final bowl is formed inside it. After drying for several hours, the bowl shrinks slightly, allowing it to be carefully removed from the mould. It is then replaced on the wheel and the foot ring is added. Once dried further, the bowl is dipped into colloidal terra sigillata slip (liquid clay), which, when fired, gives the pot its distinctive glossy red finish. Finally, after drying for another week, the bowl is fired to nearly 1,100°C. This entire process replicates the techniques used by Samian Ware workshops in Gaul during the first, second, and third centuries.

Materials

• Terracotta with a red slip finish

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 100 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 175 mm

Production
This museum-quality replica has been entirely handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, inspired by original Roman artefacts.

• Handcrafted using traditional Roman techniques
• Fired between 800°C - 1,100°C to replicate the authentic process
• Each piece is unique, with variations in surface colour and texture, just as seen in original Roman pottery

Health & Safety

• Museum-Quality Replica: Crafted using authentic Roman tools and techniques.
• Not food safe: Due to its unglazed and porous nature, this vessel does not meet modern health and safety standards for food use.
• For display and experimental archaeology purposes only: While some enthusiasts use these replicas for experimental archaeology, doing so is at your own risk.
• Roman cooking practices: Ancient Roman cooks ensured food safety by heating their pots and contents above 70°C for at least 10 minutes to kill bacteria, with 100°C or higher providing additional 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 once all items are ready.

Shipping

• Standard shipping: Sent via second-class postal service.
• Faster delivery: If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.

Own a beautifully crafted piece of Roman history – order today and bring a touch of the ancient world into your collection!