A large Roman Redware Dish, Late Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE
A large Roman Redware Dish, Late Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE
A large Roman Redware Dish, Late Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE
A large Roman Redware Dish, Late Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE

A large Roman Redware Dish, Late Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE

RP2102

Regular price1,500 USD
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

This large redware dish is an excellent example of African Red Slipware (ARS) produced during the Roman Late Imperial Period. This example is typical of the type, with its slight sheen to the orange-red burnished slip.  It stands on a raised ring base, has shallow sloping sides and an everted rim, and is decorated with a thin double band encircling the rim and another around the tondo.

Background:  African Red Slip was the final development of terra sigillata.  It was heavily influenced by the earlier Arretine ware from Italy and Samain ware from Gaul, but was by far the most successful and popular type, flourishing for almost five hundred years. Produced in the North African provinces of Africa Proconsularis, Byzacena, and Numidia in modern-day Tunisia, it gained popularity throughout the empire in the third century, overtaking the previous two types. Characterized by a thick orange-red slip over granular fabric, and decorated either plainly with simple grooves as seen here, or later, more elaborately with either applique reliefs or stamped motifs of palm leaves, animals, humans, mythological scenes, and eventually Christian symbols.

Ref: Charleston, R.J., Roman Pottery, London: Faber and Faber (1955), pp. 21 - 23, pl. 23B.

Dimensions:   Diameter: 12 inches (30.5 cm), Height: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

Condition: A minor chip to the rim, and minor expected surface wear, overall intact and in very good condition. 

Provenance:  Private European collection, acquired October 31, 1970. With old sticker on the base reading '31.10.70 / Ain Mdeker.' Ain Mdeker is a spring in Tunisia.

Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.

Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.  Overseas shipments are sent using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Come Visit Our Gallery

Any item from this site may be viewed by appointment at our Washington, DC location

Tuesday - Friday between 11 am - 5 pm.

Phone: 202 342 0518

Get directions