Roman Leaf Bowl, Samian Ware

Handcrafted Replica Roman Samian Ware Bowl – Form 35 with Leaf Barbotine Decoration

Details

This charming little red slip bowl features delicate barbotine slip decoration—carefully piped by hand around the rim in the shape of elegant leaves. The design is inspired by a remarkable archaeological discovery made during a summer excavation at Vindolanda Roman Fort. A volunteer unearthed a near-complete example of this style—an unforgettable moment that allowed the team to hold a beautifully preserved bowl, untouched for nearly 2,000 years, and to feel the fine craftsmanship of a Roman potter across the millennia.

This authentic replica has been faithfully crafted in the same form and style as the original, capturing the timeless elegance of Roman tableware. Originally produced in Gaul and distributed across the Roman Empire, bowls like this were likely used by soldiers and civilians alike to serve food at the table—offering both practicality and aesthetic pleasure.

Made in the style of Samian Ware Form 35, a fineware type prized across the Empire for its smooth red finish and refined decoration.

Materials

Terracotta with a red slip finish

Dimensions

Approx. 60 mm high
Approx. 145 mm diameter

Production

As with all our Museum Quality Replicas, this bowl has been:

• Handmade in Northumberland by Potted History

• Formed from natural clay and decorated using replica tools based on ancient techniques

• Fired between 800°C – 1,000°C, mimicking Roman kilns

• Finished with hand-applied barbotine slip, just like the originals

Each bowl is one of a kind, with subtle variations in colour and surface texture due to the traditional firing process.

Health & Safety

This is a Museum Quality Replica, made using authentic Roman-era materials and methods. As such:

• It is an unglazed ceramic with a porous surface, and will absorb some of the flavours from any contents.

• This pot does not meet modern food safety standards and is therefore not recommended for use in cooking or food storage.

• Ancient Roman cooks relied on high heat to kill bacteria—heating to over 70°C for at least 10 minutes, or boiling to 100°C, would have eliminated most harmful pathogens.

• While these practices were effective in antiquity, they are not a substitute for modern hygiene and safety standards.

We recommend enjoying this bowl as a decorative or educational piece.

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 items, they will be shipped together once all are ready.

Shipping

All items are shipped via second-class postal service as standard.
If you require first-class delivery, please contact us for a custom quote.

Bring a touch of Roman elegance into your home—add this beautiful replica bowl to your collection today!