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LOT 1135
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/8 in. (22.9 grams, 54 mm).
Enkolpion reliquary pendant with hinged body and substantial suspension loop; obverse with low-relief nimbate Christ with four busts surrounding; reverse with incised figural detail. [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 ticket.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 258, 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 Bronze Ring with Saint and Crosses
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With D-section hoop, ellipsoidal bezel, intaglio facing nimbate figure holding a cross in each hand, possibly depicting Saint John the Baptist. 10.34 grams, 25.59 mm overall, 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
German collection before 2000. Collection of Mr D.H. formed in UK, from the EU art market. Ex property of a Surrey gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, vertical raised lugs dividing the body into four fields each with pointillé herringbone patterns; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 646 grams, 14.5 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Spread Eagle
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
D-section hoop with oval bezel bearing a stylised eagle with its wings open. 3.66 grams, 21.55 mm overall, 19.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
