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LOT 0794
Byzantine Bronze Pendant with Saint George
12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (8.02 grams, 55 mm).
Sub-rectangular plaque with integral pierced lug suspender; incuse figure of a horseman to one face with enigmatic Greek legend, winged figure to the other face with four lines of Greek text. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEnglish collection, 1990s.
Ex North London gallery.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Terracotta Shipwreck Bowl
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Featuring a tapering sidewall, vertical convex rim and foot; stylised vegetal design to interior base; chipped rim. 1.1 kg, 27.5 cm wide
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Square in form with 'NIB' within wreath to one face, IB meaning the number twelve. 53 grams, 29 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 932 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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.
