Ceramic, 55.19 grams, 87.06 mm. 2nd-3rd century AD. A large piece from a Samian ware bowl or pitcher with a band of moulded, raised decoration comprising annulets, loose scrolled vegetation and fibural motifs including a goose in flight and a gladiator with raised shield, wearing a hlmet and holding his short sword ready in his right hand. Samian ware was produced at a number of centres in Gaul and Germania, made in moulds and surface-treated to produce a rich red lustre. Reference: cf. decorative scheme in Johns, C. Arretine and Samian Pottery, London, 1971 pl.10b. Very fine condition. Provenance: found at Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire, England.