Oxfordshire Style Redware Plain

Handcrafted Roman Flagon – Oxfordshire Redware Style

This elegant Roman flagon has been recreated in the style of Oxfordshire Redware, a pottery tradition known for its smooth red slip and refined craftsmanship. Produced in large quantities by potters in and around Oxfordshire during the Roman occupation of Britain, this type of vessel was widely distributed to military forts, villas, and bustling urban centres throughout the province.

While clearly made for practical use, this type of flagon also speaks to Roman values, where even the simplest household items were crafted with a sense of beauty and purpose. A flagon like this would likely have held wine, water, or oil, gracing the tables of both soldiers and civilians alike. Its tall form and elegant neck made it easy to handle and pour from, and its striking red finish would have brought a touch of colour to the Roman dining experience.

This piece reflects not only the function of Roman pottery but also the Roman appreciation for everyday elegance. It connects us to the rhythms of ancient domestic life and the shared moments of eating, drinking, and gathering.

Materials
Terracotta earthenware with red slip finish

Dimensions
Approx. 240 mm tall
Approx. 125 mm diameter

Production
This museum-quality replica has been handmade in Northumberland by Potted History, based on original artefacts recovered from Roman Britain. It has been fired to a temperature between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius, using techniques that closely follow those employed by ancient potters. This process often results in surface colour and texture variations, just as seen on surviving Roman pottery, and gives each piece its own unique character.

Health and Safety
This is a Museum Quality Replica made using the tools and techniques that would have been used during the Roman era. As this is an unglazed pot with a porous surface, it will absorb some of the flavours during the cooking process or when used to store liquids, which adds to the flavour of future contents. However, it also means that this pot does not meet modern health and safety standards, so we do not advise using it for cooking, storing, or serving food and drink.

When the Romans used pots like these, they relied on applying sufficient heat to the pot and its contents to ensure all bacteria were killed. Heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes would have killed most disease-causing bacteria, and temperatures of 100°C would do even more. Some experimental archaeologists choose to use replicas like this in traditional cooking, but if you do, it is entirely at your own risk and with proper care.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders)
If your order contains both types, they will be shipped together once all are ready

Postage
All items are sent using a second-class postal service. If you wish to upgrade to first-class shipping, please contact us for a quote. Many thanks.