Roman jug, Ex MUSEUM

Roman jug, Ex MUSEUM
ITEM: Jug
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 203 mm x 120 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Coll. Ernst Ulrich Walter, Museum of Orientalists, Leutwitz (Saxony). ex. Museum für Morgenlandfahrer, inv. SW781

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman jugs, or urcei, were widely used household vessels in ancient Rome, primarily designed for holding and pouring liquids such as water, wine, oil, and even perfumes. These jugs were typically made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, bronze, and silver, depending on the wealth and status of the owner. The basic design of a Roman jug featured a round or ovoid body, a single handle, and a narrow neck, which made it easier to pour liquid in a controlled manner. The shape of the jug often varied depending on its specific function, such as larger, sturdier jugs for storing water or wine, and more delicate, ornamental ones for perfumes or ritual use.

Ceramic jugs were the most common due to their affordability and practicality. They were produced in large quantities and varied greatly in style and decoration, from simple, utilitarian forms to more elaborate vessels with painted or molded designs. Glass jugs became increasingly popular after the development of glass-blowing techniques in the 1st century BCE, allowing for the creation of lightweight, transparent jugs that could be crafted in various colors and intricate shapes. Glass jugs, often used for serving drinks at feasts or for cosmetic purposes, became a symbol of refinement and elegance in Roman households.

Bronze and silver jugs were less common but highly prized, often used during banquets or religious ceremonies. These metal jugs were frequently decorated with intricate reliefs, including mythological scenes, animal motifs, or geometric patterns, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Roman metalworkers. Jugs made of precious materials like silver were also status symbols, displayed in wealthy households to reflect the owner’s social standing. In addition to their domestic uses, jugs held cultural and symbolic importance in Roman society, being used in religious rituals, libations, and burial offerings, where they were seen as vessels for both practical and spiritual purposes.

Measurement:

12 x 20.3 cm