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LOT 1081
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (123 grams total, 10.5 cm including stand).
One panel from an enkolpion with hinge knuckle above; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenancePreviously with an ADA member's London gallery.
Ex Important North London gentleman's private collection, 1980-1990s.
Accompanied by a copy of a Coincraft certificate of authenticity.
Cf. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines En Bronze, France, 2006, for discussion.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine to Medieval Bronze Fire Starter Handle Collection
5th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including an openwork pendant type with inset iron striking face, openwork hatched cross and other types. 66.8 grams total, 38-63 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £21
Lentoid in section and piriform in plan with vestigial knop handle, raised ribbing to the shoulders. 47 grams, 79 mm
From the Lloyd and Jeanne Raport collection, Washington, D.C. and Florida, USA, formed between 1972-2000. Acquired through Bonhams, London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
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.
