Stamped Amphora Handle
90-140 CE
Description
The meaning of the word ACIRGI is unknown, and unparalleled in Western Europe. It does not appear to be a personal name, but instead probably comes from a townname, along lines similar to other Baetican towns such as Celti, Astigi, and Axati. The location of this particular estate, which is characterized by grey or buff clay, cannot be precisely identified, but either Baetica or Gallia Narbonensis are the most likely candidates. Baetica is supported by the shape of the vessels on which these stamps are found; Narbonensis by find-spots. The location of these stamps within Monte Testaccio suggests the date.
Dimensions
15 cm (5 7/8 in.)
Provenance
From Monte Testaccio, acquired; by George J. Pfeiffer and Rachel Hartwell Pfeiffer, Cambridge, MA (by 1905), gift; to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (1905-1977), transfer; to the Fogg Museum, 1977. Transfer from Department of the Classics, 1977.
Related Artworks
View MoreCizhou ware: light gray stoneware with decoration painted in black slip on a white slip ground, all under a turquoise glaze
14th-15th centuryChineseNumbered Jun ware: light gray stoneware with variegated blue glaze; with Chinese numeral 4 (si) inscribed on base before firing; "Chonghua gong jingqi xuan yong" (Palace of Double Glory, used in the Pavilion of Serene Repose) inscription incised on base at a later date
15th centuryChineseSilver
18th centuryFrenchPlaster
Terracotta
5th century BCEGreekWhite earthenware
5th-3rd millennium BCEChineseMetal
19th centuryJapaneseCeramic
15th centuryGermanTerracotta
2nd-3rd century CERomanCeramic
18th centuryJapaneseJian ware: medium gray stoneware with dark brown glaze, the decoration painted in overglaze gold. Perhaps from the kilns at Shuiji, Jianyang county, Fujian province.
13th-14th centuryChineseTerracotta
Greek