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LOT 1331
Byzantine Bronze Buckle with Decorative Plate
8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (19.60 grams, 83 mm).
Buckle plate with rectangular body and hinged loop, broad tongue; reserved profile figure of a peacock enmeshed with tendrils and globe
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Papanikola-Bakirtzi, D. (ed.), Everyday life in Byzantium. Byzantine Hours. Works and days in Byzantium, Exhibition catalogue, Thessaloniki, White Tower October 2001-January 2002, Athens, 2002, no.483, for the type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with a domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 349 grams, 88 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Early Byzantine Miniature Votive Axehead with Dolphin and Punched Inscription
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Miniature axehead with model dolphin at the socket; pointillé legend to the blade '+ΛΙΟΝΑ'. 35 grams, 60 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine Ceramic Oil Lamp Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
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with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
