English: A base sherd fragment from a Roman Trier black-slipped ware (Moselkeramik) beaker dating to AD 180 - 250. The sherd consists of the base with lower section of the wall probably from a beaker. The beaker has a disk-base with a bevelled edge. Both the inside and outside are coated in a dark glossy slip. The interior surface is undecorated but has regular striations from the wheel turning process. The fragment has a hard-red fabric with no visible inclusions, it has fine grey layers underneath the colour-coating of the inside and outside of the vessel, giving a 'sandwich-effect'. Symonds (1992:49) writes "This relatively complicated sandwich-effect is unique to Trier vessels, and it suggests that possibly they were subjected to a more complicated firing process than other vessels... The dark colour-coating is generally very glossy, in some instances achieving a truly remarkable depth and quality." Similar beakers can be seen in Richardson (1986:118-121 Fig 1.117-1.143), and a full range of Trier black slipped beakers can be seen in Symonds (1992: Fig 24: Group 32 - Fig 35: Group 44).

Dimensions: width: 40.54mm; height: 45.66mm; thickness: 2.56mm; weight: 7.39g.

Similar Trier black-slipped ware (Moselkeramik) on the database are LON-2938CD and LON-372675.

Symonds (1992:46) writes "Trier beakers must have been made singly, and decorated free-hand... the skill of the Trier potters in achieving a deep, brilliant gloss was better than any since the production of Campanian wares.... Dark colour-coated wares were probably first produced by the middle of the 2nd century, but did not achieve wider distribution until the end of the century... Trier beakers recently found at New Fresh Wharf in London (Richardson 1986) is dated to c.220... the end of sigillata production at Trier, and also that of properly 'fine' wares, was also apparently influenced by a major political event, the invasion of barbarians across the Rhine in the year 276."

References: Symonds, R. P., 1992. Rhenish wares. Fine dark coloured pottery from Gaul and Germany, Oxford University Committee for Archaeology. Monograph, 23, Oxford

Richardson, B., 1986. 'The Pottery' in The Roman quay at St. Magnus House London: excavations at New Fresh Wharf, Lower Thames Street, London, 1974-16, ed. Miller, LAMAS Special Paper, 8, LAMAS, London, (1986), pp. No 1.164-68.