ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Roman Red Slip Bowl with Oceanus Head and Fishes, 350-400 AD

Exquisite red slip bowl with the facing head of Oceanus and different fishes on the rim.

The finely rendered head shows a bushy beard extending to both sides and goat-like ears.

The fish are depicted in great detail and show a torpedo, a perch-like fish and possibly a wrasse (Colis julis).

In the late Roman imagery of North Africa the head of Oceanus presides over displays of sea life.

For a related bowl, cf. Louvre inv. no. AO6639.

D. 15.5 cm (6.1 in), H. 5 cm (2 in)

Intact, choice example.

French private collection M.B., built up his collection during the 1960s.

1850 USD