In the middle and later Iron Age, a decorative style known as La Tène art flourished. Also popularly called ‘Celtic’ art, this curvilinear, abstract form of art is seen most often on metalwork. However, we know that in some regions of England pottery was also decorated.

In central England a number of sites, such as Hunsbury and Droughton in Northamptonshire, and Dragonby in Lincolnshire, have produced decorated pottery. The decoration is mainly seen on finely produced bowls and jars. The motifs draw in part on some of the curvilinear designs seen on metalwork of the period. These designs were often incised (cut) or impressed into the surface of the pot. The pots were also often burnished, which means that they were rubbed with a rounded stone to create a shiny surface finish. Some control over the firing of fine ware pots was also taking place as many have a uniform, often black finish. These pots were probably used for serving food and drink on special occasions.