Parchment Ware Bowl from Headington, Oxford: 3rd/4th centuries AD

In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, shiny red samian ware bowls were in use across much of Europe, Germany and France. In the 3rd century, however, the samian ware industry collapsed, tastes changed, and locally-made fine wares, often painted, became popular in Britain.

Favourite samian shapes had included large bowls with angled profile and moulded decoration. Oxford's Parchment Ware bowls seem designed to fulfill the same function, perhaps the service of fruit, vegetables or salad.

The finely sandy white fabric of Parchment Ware is similar to that of the mortaria. The ware is distinguished by its very smooth surface which has been likened to parchment. The most common bowl type had red-painted decoration on the projecting rim and angle of the wall, both areas often being moulded; inside the bowls were circular patterns in red paint on the bases.