Fingask Beaker

Rare Beaker from Fingask Estate, Perth and Kinross

Details

This handcrafted museum quality replica is inspired by one of Scotland's most enigmatic Beaker vessels, discovered on the Fingask Estate in Perth and Kinross. Thought to date to the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age, the original vessel is remarkable not only for its elegant form but also for the mystery that now surrounds it. 

The beaker is believed to have originated from a prehistoric grave, although the circumstances of its discovery were unfortunately never properly recorded. Described as a large, exceptionally fine and complete vessel, it was recognised as an important archaeological find and was illustrated in several early publications. Despite this, much of its history has since been lost.

In 1963 or 1964, the original beaker was sent to auction in London. Since then, its whereabouts have remained unknown, leaving archaeologists and pottery enthusiasts with only a handful of surviving records from which to study it.

Our replica has been painstakingly recreated from the available evidence, including a historic black and white photograph and the detailed archaeological illustration published in Beaker Pottery of Great Britain and Ireland by David L. Clarke. These surviving records have allowed us to bring this almost forgotten vessel back to life.

David L. Clarke classified the Fingask vessel as a European Bell Beaker (Class E), placing it within the wider Beaker tradition that spread across Britain and continental Europe during the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age. During this period, new ideas, technologies and styles travelled remarkable distances, connecting communities across Europe through shared traditions of craftsmanship and ceremony.

Unlike many famous archaeological discoveries that can still be admired in museums, the Fingask Beaker has effectively disappeared from the archaeological record. Today, this replica offers a rare opportunity to appreciate a vessel that few people have seen for more than half a century.

For us, that is what makes the Fingask Beaker so special. It is not simply a recreation of an ancient pot, but the revival of a remarkable Scottish artefact that has almost vanished from history

Materials

• Smoke-fired terracotta

Dimensions

• Height: Approx. 160 mm
• Diameter: Approx. 165 mm

Production

As with all my Museum Quality Replicas, this beaker has been meticulously handcrafted using natural clay and traditional tools, replicating the techniques of Bronze Age potters.

• The intricate decoration has been applied using a bone comb, just as the original potter would have done.
• The exterior has been finished with beeswax, providing a subtle historically accurate sheen.

Firing Process

• The original beaker would have been fired in an open wood fire, in direct contact with fuel, creating unique surface colour variations.
• However, open firing produces fragile pottery, so this beaker has been fired at a slightly higher temperature for added strength while maintaining an authentic finish.

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica and not intended for use as a drinking vessel.

• If you require replica pots suitable for food or beverages, please contact me before purchasing.

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 me for a custom quote.

Own a piece of Bronze Age history with this handcrafted replica Nether Largie Beaker. Order today!