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LOT 1060
Byzantine Bronze Artefact Group
6TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 - 3 3/4 in. (188 grams total, 84-95 mm).
Comprising: front cover of an enkolpion with robed figure in orans pose, legend 'ΓΕΟΡΓΙΟC' (St. George) above; censer cover or horse phalera with openwork design, expanding-arm cross within an arc with ring-and-dot motifs, poppy-head lugs, suspension loop. [2]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. a similar cross in Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 165, 166, 168, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
A pair of granules to each shoulder flanking a discoid bezel with niello-filled facing bust of a nimbate saint. 8.20 grams, 26.24 mm overall, 21.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Engraved Stone Pendant Bead
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Piriform in profile and plano-convex in section with incised motif to each face: above - cross fourchee within a balustered arch; below - facing nimbate bust of Christ with book in one hand and fingers in the gesture of blessing, 'IC XC' legend flanking; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.45 grams, 27 mm
Acquired in London before 2000. From the collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12805-240849. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 780 grams, 13.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
