Tunisia Terracotta North African Terra Sigillata Cup with Barbotine Decoration - 7.5 cm
15
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08
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55
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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This Tunisian North African Terra Sigillata cup with barbotine decoration is made of terracotta and dates to around the 2nd–3rd century AD.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A fine Roman Terra Sigillata cup made of well-fired light orange clay, featuring a slightly everted rim, a low ring foot, and two small horizontal loop handles. The lower body is decorated with an applied barbotine relief of stylized grape clusters or foliage, surmounted by a band of circular stamped ornaments. The elegant proportions and richly ornamented surface are characteristic of North African Terra Sigillata production.
The vessel is made from finely levigated clay and originally possessed the smooth surface typical of Terra Sigillata. It is now covered with mineral encrustations (calcareous deposits) and an attractive archaeological patina acquired during burial. Several old cracks and minor losses, particularly around the rim and handles, are consistent with its considerable age. The handles show ancient damage and wear.
Comparable vessels were produced in the major Roman pottery workshops of North Africa, particularly in present-day Tunisia, where they served as fine tableware for drinking and dining. The applied barbotine decoration is a characteristic feature of North African Terra Sigillata from the 2nd–3rd century AD.
Condition: Covered with heavy mineral encrustations, with several old cracks, minor losses and chips to the rim and handles, and expected age-related wear. Overall, the vessel remains in an authentic archaeological condition with an attractive ancient patina.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
A fine Roman Terra Sigillata cup made of well-fired light orange clay, featuring a slightly everted rim, a low ring foot, and two small horizontal loop handles. The lower body is decorated with an applied barbotine relief of stylized grape clusters or foliage, surmounted by a band of circular stamped ornaments. The elegant proportions and richly ornamented surface are characteristic of North African Terra Sigillata production.
The vessel is made from finely levigated clay and originally possessed the smooth surface typical of Terra Sigillata. It is now covered with mineral encrustations (calcareous deposits) and an attractive archaeological patina acquired during burial. Several old cracks and minor losses, particularly around the rim and handles, are consistent with its considerable age. The handles show ancient damage and wear.
Comparable vessels were produced in the major Roman pottery workshops of North Africa, particularly in present-day Tunisia, where they served as fine tableware for drinking and dining. The applied barbotine decoration is a characteristic feature of North African Terra Sigillata from the 2nd–3rd century AD.
Condition: Covered with heavy mineral encrustations, with several old cracks, minor losses and chips to the rim and handles, and expected age-related wear. Overall, the vessel remains in an authentic archaeological condition with an attractive ancient patina.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Tunisia
Century/timeframe
ca. 2nd–3rd century AD
Name of object
North African Terra Sigillata Cup with Barbotine Decoration
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
7.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
12.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
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.
