Aswan Ptolemaic-Roman Red-Slipped Utility Ware
Egypt/Upper Egypt
2nd century BCE - 5th century CE
Hellenistic/Ptolemaic, Roman
General Information
This ware includes all vessels that were primarily used as storage vessels. Since the function of the individual vessels cannot always be precisely determined they are simply assigned to the use in everyday life. This ware is almost entirely classified on the basis of its appearance. In contrast to the tableware, this group only includes vessels that were primarily used as storage vessels. The repertoire of shapes also includes all open and closed shapes, but it is striking that in comparison to the plain common ware there are more bowls. The production of this ware began in the early 2nd century BCE but did not increase in popularity until the early imperial period and continued to be produced in late antiquity.
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 usually has a dull to glossy dull finish and was applied in a very thick coat. Similar to the Aswan Ptolemaic-Roman Red Slipped ware, the slip of this ware can sometimes also have a slightly pink appearance. Vessels of this group were sometimes also decorated with painting that was applied before firing on the rim and exterior of the body. In most cases the painting is dark and monochrome. However, there are also a few pieces with polychrome decoration. Simple bands are the most common decorative pattern. This is mostly due to the fragmentary state of preservation. Only a few examples exhibit a vegetal or figural pattern.
Aswan, Syene (Egypt/Upper Egypt)
Mons Porphyrites (Egypt/Eastern desert/Red Sea Coast)
