Loading, please wait...
LOT 1087
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/4 in. (14.38 grams, 58 mm).
Enkolpion reliquary cross with hinge and loop, suspension ring above; one face with low-relief Corpus Christi in stavrosis position, the other with robed figure in orans pose.
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. Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines En Bronze, Paris, 2006, p.37, for similar.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine Bronze Oil Lamp
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £624
Comprising: a squat body, large circular nozzle with shallow socket, hinged domed lid with regardant hare, the handle formed from his pricked ears, two long tendril handles with perching bird detailing, splayed foot; square-section socket to base for mounting on a lamp stand. 693 grams, 19 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Biconical in profile with pointillé and linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 544 grams, 13 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.
