Stamped Amphora Handle
90-140 CE
Description
The meaning of the word ACIRCI 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
7.7 cm (3 1/16 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.
Related Artworks
View MorePale green glass
1st-2nd century CERomanTerracotta
8th century BCEGreekLongquan celadon ware: light gray stoneware with bluish green celadon glaze, the unglazed areas with rust-brown skin. From the Longquan kilns at Longquan, Zhejiang province.
12th centuryChineseTerracotta
GreekPlaster
Terracotta
GreekWhite ware: porcelaneous white stoneware with ivory-white glaze (the glaze possibly over white slip)
8th-9th centuryChineseArita blue-and-white ware, Imari type: porcelain with decoration in underglaze cobalt blue
19th centuryJapaneseNumbered Jun ware: light gray stoneware with variegated blue glaze; with Chinese numeral 1 (yi) inscribed on base before firing; "Yangxin dian Dongnuan ge louxia yong" (Hall of Mental Cultivation, used in the East Heated Chamber, main floor) inscription incised on base at a later date
15th centuryChineseTerracotta
3rd-2nd century BCEGreekGray earthenware
16th-15th century BCEChinese