Spouted Strainer, Walbrook Valley

Details

Examples of this style of spouted strainer were excavated from the site at Northgate House, Walbrook valley, London, and date to around the 2 century CE.  The site at Walbrook was a really exciting discovery as it changed our understanding of pottery import and production within the area.  Previously it had been assumed that much of the pottery used within the London area had been imported.  However, with the unearthing of 8 kilns, in various forms, situated on the west side of a major tributary of the Walbrook, it became clear that many pottery items where in fact being produced locally. Including these functional spouted strainers.

The spout of the strainer has been attached to the upper side of the bowl and holes pierced through to allow liquid to be drained. whilst larger particles will remind with in the bowl.  Able to hold a large capacity the bowl was clearly intended to hold a fair amount of liquid, with the spout located high up on the bowl it results in the liquid needing to be drained very slowly in order to avoid spilling any.  What exactly they were using this strainer for is unclear, but due to the very small holes between the bowl and the spout it is likely that it was used to strain liquids rather than more solid food stuff, for example beer or wine.

Materials

Earthenware, terracotta

Dimensions

Approx. 115 mm tall, 185 mm diameter, 240 length with handle 

Production

This replica Roman pot has been hand made in Northumberland by Potted History, based on an original artefact.  It has been fired to emulate the authentic Roman firing conditions, to a temperature of over 1000°C, as the original potters would have done nearly two thousand years ago. This process often results in variations of the surface colour and texture, as is found with original Roman Pottery and giving each pot it's unique character.

Health and Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica made using the tools and techniques that would have been used during the Roman era.  As this is an unglazed pot with a porous surface it will absorb some of the flavours during use, which does add to the flavour of future dishes. However, it does also mean that this pot does not meet modern Health and Safety standards and therefore we do not advise that it is used.  When the Romans used these pots they would probably have cleaned them with water and then applied sufficient heat to the pot  to ensure that all bacteria was killed. 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.

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

 Reference - Roman Pottery Production In The Walbrook Valley, Fiona Seeley and James Drummond-Murray