Handbook of Mediterranean Roman Pottery

by Schroeder, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780806129396
• ISBN10: 0806129395
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1997-05-01
• Publisher: Univ of Oklahoma Pr

Summary

In the past, Roman pottery has been judged as inferior to Greek pottery. Recent excavations, however, have led to an increase in knowledge and appreciation of Roman wares. These wares now constitute an important body of evidence for the understanding of art, literacy and trade in the ancient world. John W. Hayes, the acknowledged authority in this field, explains the particular features that mark Roman-period wares, concisely describing how the vessels were manufactured, decorated, traded and used. Placing the pottery in historical context, he describes its roots in the Hellenistic Greek tradition, its evolution as a distinct art form and its influence on Byzantine and Islamic trends.

Table of Contents

Map of production sites and findspots	8 and 9
Acknowledgements	10
Colour plates	16 and 17
INTRODUCTION	11	(16)
Distribution	14	(1)
Identification of sources	15	(2)
Functions and shapes	17	(1)
Production	18	(7)
Sizes	25	(1)
Quantities	26	(1)
AMPHORAE	27	(10)
Dolia	35	(2)
FINE WARES	37	(38)
Forerunners	37	(4)
Red-gloss sigillata wares	41	(18)
Italian and western terra sigillata	41	(11)
Eastern and miscellaneous sigillata wares	52	(7)
African Red Slip ware and other Late Roman fine wares	59	(5)
Lead- and alkaline-glazed wares	64	(3)
Thin-walled wares	67	(5)
Other `fine' wares	72	(3)
COARSE WARES	75	(10)
Buff wares: closed forms	75	(1)
Cooking wares	76	(4)
Mortaria	80	(3)
Local Egyptian wares	83	(2)
VESSELS WITH SPECIAL FUNCTIONS	85	(5)
Unguentaria	85	(2)
Ritual vessels and religious souvenirs	87	(2)
Toys	89	(1)
Various products	89	(1)
Appendix: A brief history of the British Museum's collection	90	(5)
Endnotes	95	(4)
Select bibliography	99	(4)
Index of items illustrated	103