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LOT 1316
Byzantine Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
34 1/4 in. (372 grams, 87 cm).
Comprising a substantial link chain with a large cross composed of two rivetted plates.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Marin, E., Salona Christiana, Split, 1994, no.2 p.284, for a similar bronze cross (inv.no.H5735).
FootnotesPolycandela were basically ring-shaped devices, hung from chains, pierced with circular holes to accommodate the stems of glass lamps. These suspended chandeliers, formed by two perforated concentric circles, held glass lamps filled with oil and having a metal wick holder inside. Crosses were often attached to polycandela, as elements of connection of the chains, a system still used in the actual Oriental churches.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1316
Byzantine Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
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Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Animal Head and Cross Below
5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Slipper-shaped body in plan with double rim around the filler hole, stub nozzle, lug handle in the form of a goat's head, scrolls, cross and other decoration to the shoulder, low basal ring. 72.3 grams, 10.5 cm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s. -
Byzantine Dark Green Glass Cotton Reel Unguentarium
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Squat in profile with flared body and broad base, flared mouth with rolled rim. 100 grams, 77 mm
From a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
bulbous in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 338 grams, 10 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.
