Description : Of the millions of pottery sherds discovered at Saint-Denis, fifty of them deserve special attention. They are characterized by a fine clay, a lustrous black surface and a tin decoration. These are examples of "Tating ware" ceramics, which take their name from the Jutland archipelago in northern Germany, where their production was first discovered in the early 20th century.

Thanks to analysis and close observation with a microscope, we now know the decorative technique that was employed: after firing, a thin layer of tin was glued to the surface of the vase. We do not know what substance was used as an adhesive, but it was probably fish glue or egg white, both of which are mentioned by the monk Theophilus in his 12th-century treatise "On Various Arts". The sheet of tin was then cut directly on the ceramic piece in order to obtain the desired pattern (lozenges, cross pattées, etc.).

The presence of Tating ware is attested to for only a relatively short period, between the 8th and 9th centuries. The principal form produced is a type of pitcher with a tubular spout set close to the lip. For the moment, Saint-Denis is the only French site where Tating ware has been found. It is also the southernmost site, since the other discovery sites are located in northern Germany, the Rhineland, England, Scandinavia, and all along the Frisian trade routes in the North and Baltic Seas. It should be recalled that Carolingian texts mention the presence of Saxon and Frisian merchants at the Saint-Denis fair.