A Large Byzantine Shipwreck Bowl with White Slip-Painted Decoration, ca. 9th - 12th century CE

This large terracotta bowl with sloping sides and a base foot-ring offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime trade and daily life during the Byzantine period.  It is decorated with a white slip-painted geometric design, typical of Byzantine ceramic artistry. Part of the design is obscured by marine encrustation, as is the exterior, a result of long-term submergence in saltwater as part of a shipwreck.

This piece embodies the historical and cultural significance of Byzantine maritime trade, where such pottery would have been part of the cargo carried across the Mediterranean. The marine encrustation on the bowl points to it being part of a shipwreck that did not reach its intended destination, to be retrieved millennia later from the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Medium: Clay

Dimensions: Height: 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm), Diameter: 10 1/4 inches (26 cm)

Condition: The bowl is in very good condition overall, with light sea encrustation visible on the interior and exterior, adding to its historical appeal. The decoration remains well-preserved, with only minor abrasions consistent with its age and sea exposure. No significant cracks or chips. 

Provenance:  Private New York City collection, acquired in the late 20th century.