**First Time At Auction**
Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A beautiful pottery mortarium presenting a wide rim that dramatically flares outwards above a shallow basin, all sitting upon a ring-form foot. A creamy beige slip envelops the interior basin, while the top of the rim is adorned by a lovely polka dot motif in black, white, pink, and green pigments. Alternatively, the exterior of the bowl is embellished by several incised rings. A pointed spout projects from one side of the rim, outlined by incised striations. The opposite side of the rim displays a pair of petite drill holes for suspension. Mortaria were heavy bowls, often with thick flanges, with sand and grit embedded in their internal surfaces. These were used for pounding and mixing foods. Size: 8.8" in diameter x 2" H (22.4 cm x 5.1 cm)
Mortaria are frequently found in the furthest outposts of the Roman Empire, a sign of the standardized spread of Roman cooking methods. Mortaria were hugely important at forts and their remains are often found in great quantities there - both imported and produced in local marketplaces.
Provenance: private Toluca Lake, California, USA collection, before 2000
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#164406
Condition
Collection label on base. Chip to spout. Expected surface wear, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remains of pigments.