The everyday Roman bowl (catinus, patera) - shallow, wide, ceramic - used for serving stews, lentils, fruit, or as a libation vessel. Like the small cup, it was mass-produced and ubiquitous. Period: Roman antiquity, 1st c. BCE - 3rd c. CE.
This single piece depicts a typical plain coarseware bowl, period-correct for any Roman household or market scene. Recovered examples come from every major excavation across the empire.
Painting tips
- Terracotta base, brown wash, optional highlight on rim.
- Optional fine line painting (red ochre or black) around the rim for a slightly upscale piece.
Historical sources & further reading
- Pompeii household excavations
- Hayes, John W. Roman Pottery (2008)
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.





