LOT 0947

Roman Redware Pottery Sherd with Olive Tree

CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.

6 3/4 in. (87 grams, 17 cm).

Comprising a large edge section with impressed olive tree, with details of branches, fruit and foliage. [No Reserve]

Acquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

For similar foliage and vegetal applique on terra sigillata see Mackensen, M., 'The study of 3rd century African red slip ware based on the eividence from Tunisia' in Malfitana, D., Poblome, J. and Lund, J., Innovating Perspectives on Roman Pottery Studies, Atti del Convegno Internazionale di Studi Catania, 22-24 Aprile 2004, Catania, 2006, pp.105-124, fig.13.

The representation of an olive tree on this sigillata is not casual. In the early Imperial period the export of the Adriatic olive oil, following the amber road, moved from Aquileia to the provinces of Roman Pannonia. During the 3rd century, the production of the Spanish olive oil reached the Northern Roman provinces. Olives were transported in particular amphorae and served with specific vessels, distinguishing the black olives (olivae nerae) from the white olives (olivae albae).