Gladiator Samian Ware Bowl

Handcrafted Replica Roman Samian Ware Bowl – Gladiator Battle Scene

Details

This stunning replica of a Roman Samian ware bowl from around the 2nd century AD depicts gladiators locked in a vicious battle. It has been made using the same hand-forming techniques that would have been employed by the original Roman potter nearly 1,900 years ago.

As with all decorated Samian Ware bowls, the process of recreating it began with the making of a set of punches—identical in design and dimension to those used by the original mould maker. These were carefully carved from fine terracotta clay, then fired and used to create the intricate gladiator design within the bowl mould.

The mould itself was then fired to 1,000°C, mounted onto a potter’s wheel, and, while spinning at speed, the final bowl was formed inside it.

Once the bowl had dried for several hours, it shrunk by a few millimetres, allowing it to be carefully removed from the mould. It was then placed back on the potter’s wheel, where the foot ring was added.

After further drying, the pot was dipped into a colloidal terra sigillata slip (liquid clay), which, when fired, gives Samian Ware its characteristic rich colour and smooth shine.

Finally, after drying for another week, the bowl was fired to nearly 1,100°C. Each stage of this process follows the authentic techniques used by Samian Ware workshops in Gaul during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd centuries AD.

Materials

Terracotta, red slip finish

Dimensions

Height: Approx. 130 mm

Production

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

• Handcrafted using traditional Roman techniques
• Fired to nearly 1,100°C to achieve an authentic finish
• Each piece is unique, with natural variations in surface colour and texture, just as seen in original Roman Samian Ware

Health & Safety

As with all of our museum-quality replicas, this piece has been fired to achieve an authentic finish. Like the originals, it is not glazed. As a result, this pot does not meet modern health and safety standards, and while decorative, we do not recommend using it for food or drink.

Because this is an unglazed pot with a porous surface, it will absorb some of the flavours of any food stored in it, which adds to the flavour of future dishes. However, this also means that it does not meet modern food safety regulations.

When the Romans used these bowls, they relied on applying sufficient heat to their cooking pots and contents to eliminate bacteria. Heating food to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have killed most harmful bacteria, and temperatures of 100°C would have been even more effective. However, as modern health and safety standards differ, we do not recommend using this bowl for storing or consuming food and drink.

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 piece of Roman craftsmanship – order your replica Samian Ware bowl today!