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LOT 0781
Byzantine Animal-Headed Lamp
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (91 grams, 92 mm).
A slipper-shaped ceramic oil lamp with integral handle with animal head terminal, sub-circular filling hole, radiating raised lines to the shoulder; shallow basal ring.
ProvenanceAcquired 1979-1999.
London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar
5th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
A mould-blown aubergine glass jar or flask with bulbous body featuring a 'net' design and trumpet-style neck and rim; shallow kick-up to base; iridescent surfaces. 58 grams, 69 mm high
Fine condition.
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth on a stepped neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 642 grams, 12.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Trade Weight Collection
Circa 10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A mixed group of bronze trade weights of various shapes and sizes, including examples bearing letters or cruciform designs. 92 grams total, 10-31 mm
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK.
