Fragment of a silver-gilt vessel

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This is a detail of the largest of five fragments from a silver gilt vessel. It was found at Traprain Law in East Lothian, part of a hoard containing over 150 silver objects, mainly fragmentary tableware, buried between 410 and 425 AD.

The ornate vessel, probably a flask, was decorated with bands of geometric ornament, detailed with black niello. Round panels with busts and figural scenes were placed at intervals around the body. Parts of the vessel were gilded.

Large quantities of silver were available in the late Roman empire. A number of hoards from the late 4th and early 5th century provide a good indication of tablewares and jewellery current at the time, illustrating the high level of Roman craftsmanship.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-997-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GVA 4
• Date: Deposited between 410 and 425 AD
  
• Material: Silver; large; winged figure carrying basket of fruit in panels
  Flask / fragment
  
• Dimensions: Weights 9.2 oz; 6.95 oz; 2.8 oz
  
• What: Flask / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Traprain Law
  
• Event:
• Description: Five fragments of a large silver flask with a winged figure carrying a basket of fruit in panels, from Traprain Law
  
• References:
  • Curle, Alexander O. The treasure of Traprain. A Scottish hoard of Roman silver plate. Glasgow: Maclehose, Jackson and Co., 1923. 
• Translations:
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