Roman Redware Dish with Flattened Rim

Roman pottery was used for utilitarian purposes and widely produced throughout the empire in specialised workshops, which created distinctive forms blending local and Roman decorative traditions and production styles. A broad division between ‘coarse’ and ‘fine’ ware is normally used to classify the wide range of Roman vessels; the former being used for storage and transportation purposes, the latter comprising serving vessels or tableware with intricate relief or painted decorations. Fine wares were used for more formal occasions and can be distinguished by its thin walls and glossy surface. Coarse wares usually had thicker walls to withstand the rough use in kitchens and other areas. They were cheaper items and had plain surfaces, slaves and those in poverty would usually only be able to afford coarse for their table ware instead of fine wares.