Casgliadau Arlein

Three upper-zone sherds and one lower-zone, almost certainly belonging to the same bowl, though there is no join. The ware is fine and a rather dull pink, with a rid slip. The rim-band is narrow and upright, with equal zones of rouletting, the profile is curved, and the beads bordering the decorated areas are large. Along with these early features, however, the central moulding is narrow and plain.

The upper-zone decoration is a simple leaf-scroll, the lower is a somewhat untidy large straight wreath formed of various leaves, buds and rosettes. The general style of the upper frieze occurs on the work of many Claudian potters eg, Bilicatus, Senicio and Crestio. The small leaf used in the scroll appears to be the one used by Bilicatus. The style of the large straight wreath in the lower zone is best paralleled on Tiberian bowls, though the rosette which is featured in our straight wreath is probably one found on bowls of Iucundus. The small three-lobed bud is used by a number of potters. Though the vessel has several very early features, the fabric and general finish suggest a Claudian date.

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