Ancient Roman Terracotta mortar
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€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Roman terracotta mortarium dating to the 1st–3rd century CE, with a diameter of 19 cm and a height of 8 cm, in very good condition with natural patina.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Large ancient terracotta vessel, probably from the Roman imperial period (1st–3rd century AD).
The bowl is made of coarse, light-colored terracotta with visible mineral inclusions. The porous surface and the natural patina indicate considerable age. On the interior, clear traces of a potter's wheel rotation are visible, pointing to wheel-made manufacture.
The vessel has a strong outward-projecting rim, conical wall, and a flat base. Such sturdy forms are typical for functional everyday containers.
It is an especially interesting and unusual piece, as it shows some features of a mortarium (crushing or grinding bowl of antiquity), but lacks essential typical elements, such as grinding grit inside and a pouring lip for liquids.
It is known that some very early mortaria from the eastern Mediterranean often do not show these features either. The present form, however, differs and is therefore more likely to be interpreted as a tub-like vessel.
These vessels are very rare, and comparable published examples are hardly known. From expert assessment, this object could be more closely related to a ceramic production or workshop context rather than the usual household use.
It is precisely this unusual form that makes the piece particularly interesting for collectors, as it cannot be clearly classified into the known typological categories.
For comparison of early mortaria see:
A brief history of the ceramic mortarium in antiquity, Journal of Roman Pottery Studies, Vol. 15, pp. 169–214 (Fig. 1–4).
Classification
The determination is based on stylistic comparisons and professional assessment.
An unambiguous typological assignment and precise dating remain open.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 cm
Height: 8 cm
Weight: approx. 500 g
Condition
Good archaeological condition:
natural patina and mineral deposits
wear consistent with age
small crack at the rim visible (see photos)
Provenance
European private collection
Previously in possession since 1995
Acquired on the European art market (Germany) in 2026
Large ancient terracotta vessel, probably from the Roman imperial period (1st–3rd century AD).
The bowl is made of coarse, light-colored terracotta with visible mineral inclusions. The porous surface and the natural patina indicate considerable age. On the interior, clear traces of a potter's wheel rotation are visible, pointing to wheel-made manufacture.
The vessel has a strong outward-projecting rim, conical wall, and a flat base. Such sturdy forms are typical for functional everyday containers.
It is an especially interesting and unusual piece, as it shows some features of a mortarium (crushing or grinding bowl of antiquity), but lacks essential typical elements, such as grinding grit inside and a pouring lip for liquids.
It is known that some very early mortaria from the eastern Mediterranean often do not show these features either. The present form, however, differs and is therefore more likely to be interpreted as a tub-like vessel.
These vessels are very rare, and comparable published examples are hardly known. From expert assessment, this object could be more closely related to a ceramic production or workshop context rather than the usual household use.
It is precisely this unusual form that makes the piece particularly interesting for collectors, as it cannot be clearly classified into the known typological categories.
For comparison of early mortaria see:
A brief history of the ceramic mortarium in antiquity, Journal of Roman Pottery Studies, Vol. 15, pp. 169–214 (Fig. 1–4).
Classification
The determination is based on stylistic comparisons and professional assessment.
An unambiguous typological assignment and precise dating remain open.
Dimensions
Diameter: 19 cm
Height: 8 cm
Weight: approx. 500 g
Condition
Good archaeological condition:
natural patina and mineral deposits
wear consistent with age
small crack at the rim visible (see photos)
Provenance
European private collection
Previously in possession since 1995
Acquired on the European art market (Germany) in 2026
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1.–3. Jahrhundert n. Chr.
Name of object
mortar
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
1995
Width
19 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
8 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
