Gorgeous Roman Terra Sigillata Pottery Pitcher

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A charming terra sigillata vessel presenting with a tall piriform body rising to a petite flared mouth, a single strap handle decorated with a lovely leaf pattern in bas relief, and a short concave foot. The entire vessel is embellished with a characteristically rich red finish and an impressive iconographic / decorative program adorning the exterior walls. One side features three frolicking figures below a leafy floral garland and flanked by a pair of tall trees, while the other side presents a male - perhaps Antinous, rendered mostly nude (save an open billowing cloak), standing in contrapposto, and holding a walking stick, with his trusty dog below. Terra Sigillata refers to the method used to seal the red slip onto the pottery during the firing process. Such vessels were mold made and traded throughout the Roman Empire. The technique used to finish the slip on pieces like this one led to the name, terra sigillata, literally meaning "sealed earth" - how poetic! Size: 3.3" W x 6.8" H (8.4 cm x 17.3 cm)

Antinous was the favorite and possible lover of the Roman emperor Hadrian who was deified following his death, worshipped sometimes as a god and sometimes as a hero. Unfortunately, very little is known about Antinous' biography. What is known is that he was born in Claudiopolis (modern day Bolu, Turkey) located in the Roman province of Bithynia. It is thought that he was introduced to Hadrian in the year 123, prior to being taken to Italy for quality education. By 128, he had become Hadrian's favorite, at which time he was taken on a tour of the Empire as part of the emperor's personal retinue. Antinous accompanied Hadrian during the annual Eleusinian Mysteries in Athens, and was believed to be with him when he killed the Marousian lion in Libya. Sadly, in October 130, Antinous died mysteriously as they were part of a flotilla going along the Nile. A range of suggested causes for his death have been put forth, ranging from accidental drowning to intentional sacrifice. After his death, Hadrian had Antinous deified and organized a cult to worship him.

Terra sigillata is a fine type of Roman ceramic coveted for its smooth red slipped finish and intriguing relief decoration. According to the Walters Museum, "The vessel and decorations were formed in a mold and were sometimes embellished with stamps, roller-dies, appliqués, barbotine, and incision. This type of pottery emerged around 40 BCE in Arretium (modern Arezzo) in central Italy and had an enormous influence across the Empire. In Gaul (modern France), cities like Lezoux, Montans, and the ancient site of La Graufesenque developed into prolific centers of terra sigillata wares."

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#157888
Condition Report: Repair to handle at both terminals with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Small nicks to rim and foot. Great preservation to relief details throughout.