Loading, please wait...
LOT 1325
Byzantine Bronze Punch with Menorah and Hebrew Inscription
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (18.8 grams, 31 mm).
Columnar stem with conical base extending to a square-section shank.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Friedenberg, D.M., ‘The Evolution and Uses of Jewish Byzantine Stamp Seals’, in The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, vol. 52/53, 1994/1995, pp.16ff., nos. 19-21.
FootnotesStamping in antiquity and in the Roman Empire was under strict regulations, and it was not limited to food and liquid containers. Bricks and tiles used in construction were impressed with the names of magistrates, workshops, estate owners from whom the material came, and the names of individual makers. Among the myriad Late Roman stamps, a great number were to mark bread or containers holding flour and other foods, as well as a variety of liquids such as wine, oil, fish and fruits preserved in sauces, medical ointments, and even water. It is interesting to note as the Jewish symbols here engraved are very stylised: as mentioned by various scholars, the Jewish representations of shofar and lulav on this category of stamps degenerated in quality in Late Antiquity, and this is why they are variously dated between the 4th and the 7th century.
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:
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.
LOT 1325
Byzantine Bronze Punch with Menorah and Hebrew Inscription
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
-
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Piriform body with raised rim around the filler hole and rounded nozzle, raised frond decoration to the shoulder, and a basal ring. 46.6 grams, 76 mm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s. -
Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
An expanding arm cross with five circular cells flanked by ring-and-dot motifs, likely representing the five wounds of Christ; the reverse with a large annulate surrounded by four ring-and-dot motifs. 40 grams, 89 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): £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.
