Handcrafted Replica Gaulish Green-Glazed Beaker – Rusticated Style
Details
This beautiful Gaulish greenware beaker has been made using the rusticated decoration technique—a tactile method created by patting wet slip onto the vessel’s surface. The result is a series of organic ridges and ripples, often preserving the imprint of the potter’s fingers. It’s a wonderfully expressive style, connecting us directly to the hands of the maker.
Gaulish green-glazed beakers were a distinctive form of Roman fineware, produced in the western provinces of the Roman Empire during the early Imperial period (1st century CE). These small, finely made drinking vessels were crafted from light-coloured earthenware clay and coated with a translucent green lead glaze.
These green-glazed beakers are thought to represent an early Roman experiment with lead-glazed tableware—a rare and luxurious departure from the more common unglazed or slip-coated pottery. Production began in Gaul (modern-day France) during the reign of Augustus, with prominent centres in Lyon and the Allier Valley. From there, these vessels were exported across the Roman world, with fragments discovered as far afield as Britain, the Rhineland, and Spain.
The lustrous green glaze, created using lead and copper oxide, gave these vessels a glass-like sheen—mimicking the appearance of precious metals or coloured glass. Elegant, desirable, and tactile, they were almost certainly regarded as luxury tableware, perfect for serving wine or other fine liquids.
This replica brings that lost world back to life, reviving the artistry of Roman Gaul in a way that is faithful to the original forms.
Materials
Earthenware clay, green-glazed finish
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 170 mm
Diameter: Approx. 130 mm
Production
Each museum-quality replica has been handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, using traditional Roman techniques:
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Hand-thrown on a potter’s wheel, just as the originals were
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Rusticated slip decoration applied by hand
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Lead-glazed in a second firing using historically informed methods
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Fired between 800°C and 1,000°C to ensure durability while preserving authenticity
Due to the handmade nature of the piece and the firing process, subtle variations in colour and texture occur, making each beaker entirely unique.
Health & Safety – Green Glaze Notice
This item is intended for decorative or educational purposes only.
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NOT food safe – Although we use a modern low-solubility lead glaze, it is not suitable for storing or consuming food or drink.
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Do not use for liquids or beverages.
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Do not soak, scrub, or clean in a dishwasher. Hand wash only if needed.
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If you require a food-safe version, please contact us to discuss a custom commission.
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If used for experimental archaeology, this is done 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 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all are ready
Shipping
All items are sent using 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 rare and refined piece of Roman history—this green-glazed rusticated beaker is a tactile link to the innovation and elegance of early Imperial Gaul.
