Casgliadau Arlein

The profile is markedly carinated. The upper-zone decoration is a leaf-scroll with small narrow leaves and poppy head motifs set on a winding stem of leafy festoons. The central moulding is narrow, and the lower zone has a series of small volutes and twisted stems rising from pairs of leaves. The style of the upper zone may be compared with Knorr 1952, Taf. 65, which as the same general lower scheme, though the details vary. Volute decoration of the lower frieze is generally an early feature, but this bowl undoubtedly represents a late example of the style. The volutes themselves are smaller and slenderer than normal, and the twisted stem, rather than an acorn or similar motif, is also unusual. The small leafy calyx at the base of the volutes is paralleled on a bowl stamped OFPRIMI, and also occurs on a vessel at Fishbourne. Though Dannell suggests AD 40-55 as the date range for the Fishbourne sherd, the Neronian date indicated by the Primus stamp goes far better with the form, fabric and general appearance of our piece.

bowl