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LOT 0212
Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Warrior Saint
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (8.82 grams, 58 mm).
Rectangular with rounded corners and pierced lug to each short side; low-relief scene with a horseman brandishing a spear against an infantryman with spear and shield; foliage and baseline.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 239-240, for similar.
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 Gilt Bronze Decorated Cross Applique
8th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Each of the four lobes with an emerging foliate decoration flanking a central cross, attachment loops on the underside. 9.82 grams, 33 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
A bifacial pendant with raised edges and knops at the end of each arm. 5.06 grams, 40 mm
Acquired on the UK art market from the 1990s. From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Piriform in profile with a domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 513 grams, 12.2 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.
