Handcrafted Replica Gaulish Green-Glazed Beaker – Inspired by a Rare Roman Ceramic Tradition
Details
This museum-quality replica is based on a rare Roman beaker dating to around 100–200 AD, which can be viewed today at the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen. The original is on loan from the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed and was discovered by treasure hunters during an exploration of a large cemetery south of Ulpia Noviomagus—modern-day Nijmegen in the Netherlands. The name “New market of the Ulpians” reflects the city’s status as a major Roman centre of trade and industry, with a population of around 4,000–5,000 residents.
The beaker is decorated with layered relief designs, carefully piped on using barbotine slip—a time-consuming technique requiring several hours of work per vessel. It was then finished with a lustrous green glaze, characteristic of a distinctive ceramic tradition that originated in Roman Gaul, with major production centres in areas such as Lyon and the Allier Valley. This particular vessel was likely produced in a workshop in Cologne, Roman Germany, before being transported north into the Netherlands.
The beaker is remarkable for its depictions of Roman gladiators, caught mid-action. On one side, we see a secutor—meaning “chaser” or “pursuer” in Latin—locked in combat with a retiarius, or “net fighter”, who wielded a weighted net, trident, and dagger, relying on agility and minimal armour. Another scene shows a murmillo, a heavily armoured fighter with a large shield and short sword, facing off against a Thraex (or Thracian), who carried a small shield (parmula) and a curved sword (sica).
Their duel appears paused, overseen by an umpire, giving the fighters a moment of respite. Above the figures, the names of the gladiators are inscribed—offering a tantalising glimpse into the personalities of the Roman arena. We may never know where the fight took place, but it's possible they once clashed in the Cologne amphitheatre, and that this thrilling match was commemorated in clay for its drama and spectacle.
Gaulish green-glazed beakers were a distinctive type of Roman fineware, produced in the western provinces during the early Imperial period. Crafted from light-coloured earthenware and finished with a translucent green glaze, they featured raised scale-like motifs applied one by one, giving the surface a textured, almost reptilian feel.
This beaker represents a rare Roman experiment in lead-glazed tableware, at a time when unglazed and slip-coated ceramics were the norm. These beakers were likely seen as luxury items, imitating the gleam of metal and coloured glass and traded widely across the empire—from Gaul to Britain, the Rhineland, and beyond.
Materials
Earthenware clay with green-glazed finish
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 170 mm
Diameter: Approx. 130 mm
Production
Each beaker is handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, using Roman methods:
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Thrown on a wheel, as the originals were.
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Decorated using barbotine slip, applied by hand to recreate the scale relief and figures.
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Lead-glazed in a second firing, using a method similar to Roman glazing techniques.
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Fired between 800°C and 1,000°C, ensuring strength while preserving an authentic surface.
As with all handmade pottery, each piece is unique, with natural variation in glaze and texture resulting from the firing process.
Our green glaze uses low-solubility lead, making it safe for decorative items. However, this beaker is NOT food-safe and should not be used for drinking or storing liquids.
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DO NOT use this vessel for food or drink.
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DO NOT store liquids inside the beaker.
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Lead-glazed pottery from antiquity contained potentially harmful materials, and while we use modern low-solubility lead formulations, we still advise against food use.
- If you require a food-safe alternative, please contact us to discuss a custom commission.
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Hand wash only – avoid soaking, scrubbing, or dishwashing, as this may damage the glaze.
If you choose to use this item for Experimental Archaeology, you do so at your own risk.
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 types, your order 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.
Own a rare piece of Roman artistry and gladiatorial legend—a tribute to the ingenuity of Gaulish potters and the drama of the Roman arena.
