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LOT 1346
Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross Pendant
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (50 grams, 89 mm).
A large expanding arm cross with a central raised boss, each arm with an incised concentric ring motif with four ring-and-dot motifs surrounding a central recess, possibly to accept an inlay; further ring-and-dot motifs on the body. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market from the 1990s.
From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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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): £98
Piriform in profile with a domed filler hole, linear decoration and a band of impressed lozenges with a cross motif on the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 374 grams, 10.5 cm
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. -
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and tapering nozzle, low-relief linear slashes to the shoulder, and low basal ring. 32.3 grams, 79 mm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s. -
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Berries and Foliage
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Keeled body with wide nozzle and stub handle at the rear, the body and discus with dense, low-relief decoration of wavy line with berries and foliage, the base with a spoked wheel. 75.5 grams, 89 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
