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LOT 1136
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (19.9 grams, 70 mm).
Plate from an enkolpion with a low relief nimbate figure in orans pose. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 269 grams, 85 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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. -
Christian 'Jacobs Ladder' Terracotta Pilgrim's Token
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Plano-convex in section with impressed design of a nimbate figure standing beside a ladder with a levitating winged angel at the side, all within a pelletted border. 13.4 grams, 33 mm
Ex important Christian collection, 1970s. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Head of Christ Gemstone
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £4,500 - 6,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,250
Round-section hoop with granules to the shoulders, discoid bezel with inset lapis lazuli circle enclosing a later amethyst gemstone with facing bust of Christ Pantocrator. 10.36 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 19, Japan 18).
Ex collection of a London lady, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12968-246371.
