This beautiful samianware bowl is based on one found at Maryport in 2010. It is particularly special as it had been selected to be the funerary urn for someones dearly departed. When is was discovered it still contained ashes, as well as what appeared to be hob nails.
The original bowl is dated to the late second century or early third and depicts a fierce lion hunting a magnificent stag. One of our replicas of this bowl can be seen on display at Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport.
Production
As with all such decorated Samian Ware bowls, the process of recreating it began with the making of a set of punches, of exactly 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.
After drying for some hours the bowl, having now shrunk by a few millimetres could be removed from the mould, replaced onto the wheel and the foot-ring added. After a further period of drying the pot was dipped into the colloidal terra sigillata slip (liquid clay), which when fired, gives the pot its characteristic colour and shine.
Finally, after drying for another week the bowl was fired to nearly 1100°C. All of 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 190 mm diameter 120 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, if you wish to have an item sent first class please contact my for a quote. Many Thanks
