Roman Black Burnished Mug / Cup
Handcrafted Replica Roman Mug – Black Burnished Ware Style
Black Burnished Ware was one of the most widespread and enduring ceramic styles of Roman Britain. With sherds found from the south coast to Hadrian’s Wall, it speaks to the popularity and practical beauty of these vessels across the Empire.
This wheel-thrown replica Roman mug reflects that legacy. After shaping, each mug is carefully hand burnished to create the distinctive black sheen associated with the style. The smooth finish is achieved through the friction of polishing the leather-hard clay, an ancient technique that combines functionality with striking aesthetics.
Functional items like this were used in both military and civilian settings, allowing for hydration at the hearth, the workshop, or the table. Though simple in form, the care and craftsmanship involved in their making reveal the Roman dedication to beauty even in the most everyday of items.
Whether you’re adding to your historical collection, setting a scene for living history, or simply love the tactile charm of ancient pottery, this mug is a timeless reminder of daily life in Roman Britain.
Materials
Terracotta clay, fired under reduction conditions
Dimensions
Approx. 120 mm tall
Approx. 95 mm diameter
Approx. 120 mm diameter including handle
Production
This museum-quality replica has been handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, based on original artefacts. It has been fired to a temperature between 800°C and 1000°C, replicating ancient Roman kiln conditions. This traditional firing process results in variations in surface colour and texture, meaning no two mugs are ever exactly the same.
Health and Safety
This is a Museum Quality Replica, made using the tools and techniques of the Roman era. Like the original, it is unglazed and has a porous surface. This means it will absorb the flavours of liquids used in it, contributing to the taste of future contents.
However, it also means that this pot does not meet modern health and safety standards, and we do not recommend using it for food or drink. When the Romans used vessels like this, they relied on sufficient heating to ensure food safety. Heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have killed most harmful bacteria, and temperatures of 100°C or more would have provided even greater protection.
This mug is best used for display, education or experimental archaeology, and any use for food or drink is at your own discretion.
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, they will be shipped together once all items are ready
Postage
All items are sent using a second-class postal service
If you would like your item sent first-class, please contact us for a quote
Many thanks
Bring a touch of Roman everyday elegance to your collection with this beautifully handcrafted black burnished mug.
SHIPPING
'Add To Cart' items are ready to send straight away. Please be aware that if bought alongside 'Pre-order' items, your order will be sent when all items are ready.
'Pre-order' items are made to order, and we will dispatch them as soon as we have handcrafted them for you; this usually takes 90 days, but international orders can take a little longer.
We ship our fabulous replicas worldwide.
Shipping costs are worked out during checkout. They are based on where you are in the world and how heavy your parcel is, which can be very variable.
All items are sent using a second-class postal service. If you wish to have an item sent first class, please contact us for a quote. Many Thanks
RETURNS
If you aren't completely satisfied with your Potted History piece, please get in touch to organise a return. Email us at
clare@rothburycreates.co.uk
Then you can send it back at your own cost in an unused condition within 30 days, and we'll refund you for the cost of the item or items returned. If you include your order number with the returned package, that will speed things up. Please leave any original packaging intact.
Our returns address is:
Potted History, Gregory Court, Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7SW
PRODUCT VARIATION
Please be aware that due to items being handmade and finished, colour variations will occur during the making process, and each replica will have some differences. Also, know that the item photographed may not be the one that you receive, and colours can appear differently on different screens. Please ensure you look at all the images to get a fully formed idea of the item you are ordering as we try to capture the variations within the images we share. If you prefer a specific colour variation, please contact us before ordering.
