History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c15.s7.2

v1.c15.s7.2

Although the bulk of the pottery is black, that is having a black slip, we come across specimens of different colours ranging from steel grey to bluish black and even red and silver and golden NBP has also been reported. Sometimes reddish blotches are seen on vessels. Painted NBP has been reported at Sravasti. The pottery is made of extremely fine clay and the core is usually grey. It is treated with a thin slip which bears extremely high, almost mirrorlike polish. It is represented mostly by bowls with straight sides and dishes with incurred rim and the ware is thus akin to the PGW in form and fabric. It is, therefore, not unlikely that it may perhaps represent the further stage of technological development of the PGW. Besides, there are lids with flat terminals and carinated handles. The mirror-like polish of the NBP has proved to be extremely enigmatic and has so far eluded all attempts at solving the mystery. Several scientists have offered their own explanation based on their experiments, but there does not seem to be any general agreement within sight.