Samian ware bowl from Manor Farm, Hurstbourne Priors, Hampshire.
Made in central Gaul during the antonine period, mid 2nd century
an old object when placed in the grave
form Dragendorff 31
This is a well-known style of early Roman ware – a samian dish. These glossy red products, imported in some quantity before local potteries were properly established, often carried the maker’s mark. This particular vessel is stamped with the characters “CELSIANI.M”, (‘made by Celsianus’). The die stamp has been found at Lezoux in the Auvergne region of France. This site was one of the principal centres of pottery production in central Gaul, and exported its wares to all parts of the northern Roman Empire. This particular form of samian dish was first made around AD 150.