A series of plain samian pottery vessels
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These red tablewares were mass-produced in astonishing quantities in the area of modern Toulouse in southern Gaul. They were made in highly standardised shapes, then dipped in a slip containing the mineral illite which gave the characteristic glossy surface (not glaze) when fired. The consistent red colour was achieved by maintaining oxidising conditions, in which plenty of air was allowed into the kiln during firing. The forms shown here are typical of the years AD 50 – 75.
Acknowledgments: RAM Museum
 when fired. The consistent red colour was achieved by maintaining oxidising conditions, in which plenty of air was allowed into the kiln during firing. The forms shown here are typical of the years AD 50 – 75.)
