VR·27

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Inscription
Reading in transliteration:	es
Reading in original script:
Object:	VR·27 Verona (bowl)
Position:	bottom, outside
Direction of writing:	ambiguous
Script:	unknown
Letter height:	2.5–5.5 cm0.984 in <br />2.165 in <br />
Number of letters:	2
Number of lines:	1
Workmanship:	scratched after firing
Condition:	complete
Archaeological culture:	La Tène D [from object]
Date of inscription:	150–50 BC [from object]
Type:	unknown
Language:	unknown
Meaning:	unknown
Alternative sigla:	none
Sources:	Marchesini & Stifter 2018: 153 (no. 4)

Commentary

First published in Solinas 2016: 376 (no. 4).

Images in Solinas 2016: tav. LV d; Marchesini & Stifter 2018: fig. 4.5.4 (photo and drawing).

Epsilon is large and unambiguous, whereas putative sigma is less than half its height and rather flat. The direction of writing is ambiguous – epsilon is sinistroverse, when the bowl is upright, but both Solinas and Marchesini prefer a dextroverse reading.

Stifter in Marchesini & Stifter 2018: 147 suggests that es could be an abbreviation, conceivably of a name otherwise attested at the necropolis (see eskikorikos), but the execution of the present inscription is suspect. It cannot be excluded that we are concerned with a mark of some kind.

Corinna Salomon