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Bowl with biblical relief decoration
Roman Provincial
Late Roman
A.D. 320-360
Place of Manufacture: Tunisia, Byzacena, Sidi Marzouk Tounsi
Medium/Technique
Ceramic; African Red Slip Ware
Dimensions
Diameter: 30 cm (11 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated in memory of Emily Townsend Vermeule
Accession Number2002.131
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis bowl belonged to a Christian household as witnessed by the Old Testatment subjects with Christian meaning that decorate it. The story of Jonah is told in four episodes in the center of the bowl:Jonah sits disconsolate; Jonah is thrown from a boat to the sea monster; the monster regurgitates him; and Jonah lies under the gourd vine. Around theouter rim of the bowl (counterclockwise) are the resurrection of Lazarus, Joseph and Potiphar's wife, and Isaac carrying firewood on his way to sacrifice. The feet of Abraham leading Isaac are preserved. Traces of another scene, perhaps Adam and Eve at the Tree of Knowledge, are preserved. One or two more unidentifiable scenes were also present.
ProvenanceMarch 9, 1995, sale, Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., Chicago, lot 631A, to William Knight Zewadski, Tampa; 2002, sold by William Knight Zewadski to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 26, 2002)