Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Ex German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Marin, E., Salona Christiana, Split, 1994, no.2 p.284, for a similar bronze cross (inv.no.H5735).
Footnotes
Polycandela 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Byzantine Bronze Oil Lamp
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £270
Comprising: a squat body and large nozzle with shallow socketed rim, hinged lid to filler-hole with striped pattern, handle formed with lobed cross and loop to rear, annular foot. 376 grams, 13.7 cm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The great success of this type of lamp in the Eastern Roman Empire brought about the establishment of several production centres, as can be confirmed by the frequent appearance of some of the details, e.g., the shape of the lid or of the cross and the length of the spout. Despite their wide distribution across Asia Minor, Greece and the Balkan Peninsula, these lamps also spread throughout Syria and reached Egypt, Morocco and even central Europe. -
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 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Bulbous body with domed filler hole, two circumferential bands below the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 407 grams, 89 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.
