New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2007.

Trophy vase

Artist Unknown

CultureRoman

Date2nd century A.D.-3rd century A.D.

MediumTerracotta

DimensionsOverall: 5 in. (12.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number80.237

On View

Not on view

DescriptionRedware terracotta trophy vase. Two handled bulbous vase with relief decorations of wreath, four palm fronds. Signature plaque. Running animal. Excavated at El Djem, Tunisia, c. 1930-1970.

Published ReferencesJ.W. Hayes, LATE ROMAN POTTERY, (London, 1972), pp. 193ff, on African red-slip ware w/applique ornament. For shape, see his Form 172; also Form 171, small jugs, w/the same inscription (on which see pg. 297). CORPUS VASORUM ANTIQUORUM, Copenhagen 7, pl. 300.1. Variant form with applique ornament and same inscription. J.W. Salomenson, "The 'Fancy Dress Banquet', Attempt at Interpreting a Roman Mosaic from El Djem," BULLETIN VAN DE ANTIEKE BESCHAVING XXV, 1960, pp. 35-55. See pp. 49ff. on similar pieces; these bear the insignias of rival venatores that competed in gladiatorial games in the amphitheatre.