Black or white, possibility or necessity? Virtual restoration of encrusted pottery for the better interpretation of their design

Abstract

This paper aims to draw attention to how the process of virtual restoration of encrusted pottery can play a crucial role in understanding complex ornaments if the correct method of illustration is employed. To emphasise the importance of appropriate representation, the author has re-drawn some already published Bell Beaker vessels and presents a few more reconstructed examples from the Vučedol, Somogyvár–Vinkovci, and Ljubljana ceramic traditions. The study also addresses the theoretical limitations of reconstructing encrusted motifs, with a reflection on the latest arguments published on the topic. Furthermore, the paper presents case studies based on the newly made illustrations of the reconstructed encrusted patterns, revealing new insights into the interpretation of the motifs.