Dear Jack and Peter,
An inscription made after firing would not look like that: the line of
the incised letters would not be so neat. If the letters appear
clearer, it is because the clay is clearer than the external slip. They
were made before firing but after the slip was applied on the pottery.
I have studied inscriptions on amphoras for many years and came across
many times this kind of graffiti and I must confess that I am not
surprised by this one. But noboby is infallible and, since it is a
ceramic object, I propose to ask directly ceramologists: they will
surely have an authoritative opinion.
As far as the writing is concerned, 3rd century seems to me highly
unlikely.
Best wishes,
Jean-Luc
Le 18 sept. 08, à 21:41, Peter Green a écrit :
Jean-Luc, can you explain what features lead you to believe the
inscription was made before firing? The brown slip appears to have
been flaked and disturbed by the stylus after firing. The letters
appear, to me, to expose clay that is lighter because it was not
exposed directly to the heat of firing.
Thank you, Jack. My thinking exactly, and I couldn't have put it
better.
Peter Green
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