Description

This very fine and thin-walled black varnish ceramic was produced exclusively in Trier potteries in the 3rd and 4th centuries and delivered to the Gallic and Germanic provinces. Characteristic of the ceramic genre is a shiny metallic coating and mostly white decorations and inscriptions applied using the barbotine technique.

The drinking cup from the Saalburg bears the inscription VALEAS, a farewell greeting that wishes you health. Below the inscription is the decorative zone with trefoil leaves and curlicues. The dents on the cup wall increase the grip of the vessel when drinking.