SlaneWright1980b, p. 548 (rev. KenchreaiIV: “might[italics] be Corinthian“). Direct inspection confirms that vessel is ESC.
Conservation
1960s: mechanical cleaning and joining with natural shellac.
Conservation
2021: sherds joined with Acryloid B-72 (Argiro Tsigri).
Description
Large flanged bowl with vertical rim, rounded walls, and thick ring foot. This is a large example of ESC Hayes Form 3 that retains some of the more fine aspect of construction that are associated with the earlier products in the Loeschcke 19 and Hayes 3 series. In particular, the rounded walls are thin (4 mm at thinnest point) and the rim is only slightly thickened above the short well-formed flange. In profile, the inner face of the rim continues the curve of the wall; the outer face is only very slightly convex. The upper lip of the rim is rounded. The overall profile of the walls is quite flaring, creating a profile that is just slightly more squat than some earlier examples. The foot is solidly made. While none of these elements is itself a confident indicator of relative chronology within the series, the overall impression is of a well-made, quite large Hayes 3 of the mid to late 2nd century.
Fabric, firing, and surface description
Fabric has been discolored and weathered by marine submersion. The overall appearance and feel of the fabric is more orange and softer than it would have been originally. There are small traces of original slip, though even these are very abraded. Despite these transformations, the identification as ESC is certain.
Preservation comment
Three joining sherds preserve entire base, most of body, and ca. 60% of rim and lip. Moderate, extrensive erosion, pitting, and abrasion from marine submersion; original slip almost entirely absent; somewhat worn edges. The breaks are modern and may have followed pre-existing cracks.
“KE 2187 (Eastern Sigillata C Hayes Form 3).” In Kenchreai Archaeological Archive, edited by J.L. Rife and S. Heath. The American Excavations at Kenchreai, 2013-2024. <http://kenchreai.org/ke/ke2187>