This small, delicate cup in black earthenware or terra nigra was made by a potter in northern France. The cup was found during excavations in a Roman grave field in Damme and is thought to date from the 2nd or early 3rd century.
The black colour is related to the type of clay, but also points to the so-called 'reducing' firing technique. This involves reducing ('braising') the air supply to the oven, so less oxygen reaches the bake. This causes the iron particles in the clay to turn dark. The result: a glossy, deep black surface.