Roman, Imperial Period, ca. late 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE. A charming terra sigillata vessel with a characteristically rich red finish and an impressive iconographic/decorative program adorning the broad rim, featuring five leonine/zoomorphic appliques depicted running in profile with a petite tree applique between two of the animals. The elegant wheel-made broad bowl sits upon a circular concave foot. Terra Sigillata refers to the method used to seal the red slip onto the pottery during the firing process. The technique used to finish the slip on pieces like this one led to its name, terra sigilata, literally meaning "sealed earth" - how poetic! Size: 9" in diameter x 2.7" H (22.9 cm x 6.9 cm)

Terra sigillata is a fine type of Roman ceramic coveted for its smooth red slipped finish and intriguing relief decoration. According to the Walters Museum, "The vessel and decorations were formed in a mold and were sometimes embellished with stamps, roller-dies, appliqués, barbotine, and incision. This type of pottery emerged around 40 BCE in Arretium (modern Arezzo) in central Italy and had an enormous influence across the Empire. In Gaul (modern France), cities like Lezoux, Montans, and the ancient site of La Graufesenque developed into prolific centers of terra sigillata wares."

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#157884

Two small sections of rim reattached with restoration over the break lines. Some fissures and possible repair/restoration to areas of leonine creatures. Small area of loss and fissure to tree applique that seems stable. All is very well done, and the iconography is lovely. Old collection label and deposits on base.