Hare and Hound Samian Ware Bowl

Handcrafted Replica Samian Ware Bowl – Hound & Hare Hunting Scene
Details

This stunning replica of a Roman Samian Ware bowl, dating to around the second century AD, features a beautifully detailed hunting scene depicting a hound chasing a hare. The bowl has been made using the same hand-forming techniques employed by Roman potters nearly 1,900 years ago.

As with all decorated Samian Ware bowls, the process began with the creation of punches, carved from fine terracotta clay, replicating the original designs and dimensions used by Roman mould-makers. Once fired, these punches were pressed into a fresh clay mould to form the decorative scene.

The mould was then fired to 1000°C, mounted onto a potter’s wheel, and the bowl was formed inside it while spinning. After a short drying period, the bowl—now slightly shrunken—was removed from the mould and returned to the wheel to have a foot ring added.

Once dried again, the bowl was dipped in colloidal terra sigillata slip—a fine liquid clay—giving the pot its characteristic red gloss finish when fired. After a further week of drying, it was fired to nearly 1100°C, just as it would have been in Samian Ware workshops in Roman Gaul during the first three centuries AD.

Materials
Terracotta with red slip finish

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

Production

Each bowl is handcrafted in Northumberland by Potted History, inspired by original Roman artefacts and made using traditional tools and historically accurate techniques.

Health & Safety
Museum-Quality Replica: Made using authentic Roman tools and techniques.
Not food safe: This piece is unglazed and porous, meaning it absorbs liquids and does not meet modern health and safety standards for food use.
For display purposes only: While some enthusiasts use replicas for experimental archaeology, doing so is at your own risk.
Ancient users 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 offering 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
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.

Bring a scene from Roman life into your own with this exquisite Samian Ware bowl. Order today to own a finely crafted piece of classical history.