Terracotta mortarium fragment

late 2nd century CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 169

Mortaria were the grinding and mixing bowls commonly used by the Romans. Most were made in plain, unslipped wares, and tiny bits of grit were often added to the inside of the bowl to aid the grinding process. This fragmentary rim, however, is an example in finer ware, terra sigillata, decorated with barbotine, or relief decoration. Such vessels suggest that some food preparation was carried out at the table, in front of the host and his dining companions.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Terracotta mortarium fragment
Date: late 2nd century CE
Culture: Roman
Medium: Terracotta; East Gaulish terra sigillata
Dimensions: Other: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
Classification: Vases
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Object Number: 17.194.2123
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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