Roman Severn Valley Cup, Lattice Decoration

Handcrafted Replica Severn Valley Ware Roman Cup

Details
Severn Valley Ware (SVW) is a distinctive style of Roman-period pottery that was made by local potters along the River Severn in western Britain. Rather than being produced in a single large workshop, SVW emerged from numerous small kilns that dotted the Severn Valley, stretching from Gloucestershire through the West Midlands and into parts of Wales.

Characterised by its soft orange-red colour, this pottery owes its appearance to the naturally rich local clay and an oxidised firing process. Although it was never a luxury item, SVW was widely used and valued for its practicality and durability. These humble vessels became essential everyday items for both military and civilian communities across Roman Britain from the 2nd to the 4th century.

The form of this replica cup reflects the utilitarian nature of SVW. With its simple yet pleasing shape and sturdy handle, it would have been found on tables across the region – from forts along the frontier to rural farmsteads and bustling Romanised towns. Originally intended to supply Roman military garrisons, SVW became a staple of domestic life as local Britons adopted Roman habits and material culture.

By holding this replica, you connect with the lives of ordinary people living in Roman Britain.  The soldiers, potters, farmers, and families who shaped and were shaped by the Roman world.

Materials
Terracotta clay

Dimensions
Height: Approx. 75 mm
Rim Diameter: Approx. 110 mm

Production
This museum-quality replica has been hand-made in Northumberland by Potted History, inspired by an original Roman artefact. It has been fired to a temperature between 800°C and 1000°C, replicating authentic Roman firing methods. As with original Roman pottery, variations in surface colour and texture naturally occur during the process, giving each vessel its own unique character.

Health and Safety
This is a Museum Quality Replica made using the tools and techniques that Roman potters would have used. As this is an unglazed pot with a porous surface, it will absorb the flavours of any contents, just as the originals did. However, this also means that the piece does not meet modern health and safety standards, so we do not advise its use for drinking or food storage.

When Roman users cleaned their vessels, they relied on applying sufficient heat to kill bacteria. Heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have killed most disease-causing bacteria, and temperatures of 100°C would do even more.

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 contains both items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.

Shipping
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.