File:Roman pottery rim sherd. Illustrated by, Dom Andrews. (FindID 70241).jpg

English: A rim sherd of a form 37 decorated Roman Samian Ware bowl, weighting 86g (with South Gaulish type decorations). This bowl would have had a diameter of 190mm.
The rim proper has a small circular lip, which has been defined by a line underneath it. Below this there is a blank area, which expends for 17.5mm, below this there is an incised groove. Below which there is a double bordered ovolo with ‘tongues centrally placed’. Each tongue terminates with a small rosette, their axis being vertical. Below the ovolo there is a rope like boarder.
The main decoration depicts two large ornamental leaves extending upwards from scrolling tendrils. Underneath the arches of the scrolling tendrils are bunches of plants which extend upwards and have been tied with more scrolling tendrils which curl around their own rosette terminal. This design is repeated around the vessel. Above the two upturned leaves then is a small ? goose and either side of the bunched plants there is a small bird. Below this there is another rope like border. Below this there is the beginnings of what appears to be a chevron design.
The vessel has a relative uniform section; it measures 6mm at the rim proper. Whereas the main body of the vessel has a section which measures approximately 5.5mm. The slip coated sherd is a light brownish-red colour. The fabric is a much more pinkish colour with a ‘soapy texture’ which is smooth to the touch. The sherd itself is relatively un-worn and the breaks appear relatively fresh and un-abraded.
This sherd dates to AD 70-180.

Peter Webster, 1983, pp11 & Cunliffe, 1971, pp274-9, No. 17