Hercules And Lions Samian Bowl

Details 

This stunning replica of a Roman Samian ware bowl from around the second century depicts Hercules and the Nemean lion.  It has been made using the same hand-forming techniques that would have been employed by the original Roman potter nearly one thousand nine hundred years ago. 

As with all such decorated Samian Ware bowls, the process of recreating them began with making a set of punches of precisely the same designs and dimensions as those used by the original mould maker; these were carved from fine terracotta clay and, once fired, were used to create the design within the bowl mould.  This mould was, in turn, fired to a temperature of 1000°C then mounted onto a potter's wheel, where, while spinning at speed, the final bowl was formed within it.

Slight Second - A second is an item with slight defects that do not affect the structure of the vessel but might be visible on close inspection.  This bowl has a crack on the base the does not extend through the entire body of the vessel, please see the listing images.

 Production

 As with all such decorated Samian Ware bowls, recreating it began with making a set of punches of precisely the same designs and dimensions as those used by the original mould maker.  These punches were carved from fine terracotta clay and, once fired, were used to create the design within the bowl mould.  This mould was, in turn, fired to a temperature of 1000°C, then mounted onto a potter's wheel, where, while spinning at speed, the final bowl was formed within it.

After drying for some hours, the bowl shrinks by a few millimetres, making it possible to remove the bowl from the mould.  The bowl is then put back onto the wheel, and the foot ring is added.  After a further period of drying, the pot was dipped into the colloidal terra sigillata slip (liquid clay), which gives the pot its characteristic colour and shine when fired.

Finally, after drying for another week, the bowl was fired to nearly 1100°C.  These processes are based on those used by Samian Ware workshops in Gaul during the first, second and third centuries.

 Materials

Terracotta, red slip finish

Dimensions

Approx 175 mm diameter 110 mm tall

Health & Safety

As with all of our Museum quality replicas, this piece has been fired to achieve an authentic finish.  Like the original, it is not glazed.  As a result, this pot does not meet modern food safety standards, and, although decorative, I would not recommend that this pot be used for its original purpose.
Postage
All items are sent using a second-class postal service.  Please contact me for a quote if you wish to have an item sent first class.  Many Thanks.