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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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Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Slipper-shaped in plan with lug handle, raised rim to the filler hole, broad shoulder with raised herringbone pattern, stub nozzle. 41 grams, 80 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): £85
Ovoid in profile with a rounded base, impressed annulets above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 760 grams, 11.9 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, octagonal bezel with a stylised figure holding a sword and a shield. 7.11 grams, 23.16 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
In these rings, the octagonal circular bezel bears a stylised warrior. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, invoking protection and blessing.
