Plate

Central Italy, probably Etruscan workshop; Low foot; fine stamped decoration -- 3 impressions of a figure (Hercle with club?). Very lopsided. Reddish buff clay with greenish-black metallic glaze, which fired unevenly. The foot was unglazed. The rim slopes out and down and is thickened to reduce chipping. Decoration consists of a circular groove in the interior center around 2 circles of rouletted decoration. Within this, another groove encloses 3 identical male figures. The pattern is indistinct - he appears to hold a wand in his right hand and perhaps a club in his left. A dolphin or snake sports by his left leg. In the center, an indistinct stamped design, suggestive of an 8-spoked wheel, but perhaps floral.