If we break something, we either mend it or throw it away and buy a replacement. Our choice might be governed by our feelings. If we are very fond of an object we might mend it for sentimental reasons. If the object is rare or expensive we might mend it because we cannot afford or find another one. But if an object is cheap and easily replaced, we will throw it away.

One of the reasons we know that the Romans placed a high value on Samian ware was because they mended it. Everyday pottery was thrown away because it could be quickly replaced, but Samian ware was expensive as it was imported. Many pieces of Samian ware that have been found have been carefully mended. Methods of repair included drilling tiny holes in the pieces to be joined and fastening them together with metal rivets, or sticking pieces together using pitch as an adhesive. Samian ware that was too broken to mend was recycled into fragments for mosaic, or cracked pots were filed down to make smaller containers.

Samian ware originated in Arezzo, Italy, and was developed from a high quality glossy black-slipped ware. It spread to France and was mass-produced on an industrial scale with some being hand thrown and some made in moulds. The decorative motif would be stamped inside the mould and would transfer to the pot while the clay was still damp. When the pot was removed from the mould extra decorations were added by cutting into the surface. A mould would be used over and over again, so thousands of identical items were made from each centre. The Samian ware centres consisted of a number of different workshops in which workers specialised in different aspects of production: preparing the clay; making the moulds; putting the clay in the moulds; cleaning the moulds; decorating and firing the pots. The maker always put his stamp on a pot, and this acted as a form of quality control. No pot was anonymous. Attempts to make Samian ware in Britain were successful only where the clay was suitable. Samian kiln sites have been found in Colchester in Essex and Pulborough in Sussex.

Samian ware was used for eating, drinking and cooking. In any kitchen, storage space is always a problem. Samian ware was designed to be stackable, which meant it could be easily and securely stored when not in use.

The bowl is a copy of Samian ware, found in this country near the sites of big Roman towns, such as Colchester. Samian ware was expensive because it was imported from France, or Gaul as it was called in Roman times. It was used by people who could not afford silver and glass eating vessels but wanted something better than ordinary local pottery. Samian ware came in many shapes and sizes, some functional and some decorative. This bowl was used to hold food and is the equivalent of 'best china', or the type of pottery used to serve food on special occasions.

The bowl is hand thrown, and is the distinctive red colour that characterises all Samian pottery. This is because it was made from clay containing iron oxide. The bowl is very elegant. A circular ridge on the base of the bowl lifts it off the table. A rim around the top of the bowl ensures ease of grip. The bowl is decorated with a simple geometric pattern, pressed into the clay before it was fired. A maker's mark was often found pottery like this, such as 'Marcus fecit' meaning 'Marcus made this'. Larger pieces of Samian ware would be decorated inside as well as outside with motifs such as flowers and animals.