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LOT 1091
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (21.9 grams, 55 mm).
Enkolpion with hinged and ribbed loop; low-relief nimbate figure wearing a loincloth to obverse; robed figure to reverse. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Den of Antiquity, Cambridge, UK.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
Accompanied by a typed dealer's identification ticket.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 165, 166, 168, for type.
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:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, raised bands dividing the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 606 grams, 12.7 cm
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 Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Comprising a substantial link chain with a large cross composed of two rivetted plates. 372 grams, 87 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
