Bowls of Acaunissa from the North of England

Extract

Since the publication of my article on the work of the potter Acaunissa, Mr. E. B. Birley, F.S.A., has discovered two more signed specimens of his bowls from Corbridge, as well as examples from York and Kirkby Thore, which were undoubtedly executed by Acaunissa. This additional material greatly increases our knowledge of his style and of his figure-types. Moreover, not merely can the period of his activity be determined by the character of his designs, but the shape, texture and execution of his decorated bowls enable this date to be determined more closely. Hence Acaunissa's ware becomes chronologically important for excavators of Roman sites, especially in the north of England, for no trace of his work can be detected farther south. Perhaps this may indicate that his ware came all the way by sea from Gaul to Newcastle, and not first of all to London.