Ptolemaic-Roman Red-Slipped ware (Aswan clay)
Egypt/Upper Egypt
2nd century BCE - 3rd century CE
Hellenistic/Ptolemaic, Roman
General Information
Production of red-slipped table vessels occured throughout both Lower and Upper Egypt, from the Delta to Aswan. Potters everywhere made small saucers and bowls for individual table service; but the range of other shapes differed depending on local taste and demand. In Aswan, potters produced table vessels of both alluvial Nile clay and the fine kaolinitic clay local to Aswan. Ptolemaic-Roman Red-Slipped ware (Aswan clay) refers specifically to the latter. Potters began manufacturing red-slipped vessels of Aswan clay in the 3rd c. BCE, producing primarily cups and plates. Closed shapes, such as pitchers and beakers, are rare. Manufacture continued into the 3rd century CE, and in the 4th c CE developed into the local versions of late Roman tablewares known as Aswan Red Slip ware (Groups O and OP).
This ware is characterized by a red or orange-red slip that in most cases clearly differs from the color of the fabric. The slip was applied to the vessel in a thick layer and has a dull to glossy dull finish. Depending on the firing temperature, the vessels can have a pink to reddish-brown appearance.
Abu Rahal West (Egypt/Eastern desert/Red Sea Coast)
Aswan, Syene (Egypt/Upper Egypt)
