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LOT 1146
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (15.3 grams, 67 mm).
Hollow-formed cross pendant with filigree decoration to both faces, five circular cells to obverse, two with nacre inlays.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Very Large Christian Pilgrim's Token
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Plano-convex in section with reserved scene including a facing figure flanked by two others with arms raised, a grid or lattice, bovine animal and other items. 22 grams, 45 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999, thence by descent. -
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. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Pendant Cross
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Enkolpion with hinged barrel-shaped loop; incised nimbate figure to each face in orans pose within a decorative border. 109 grams, 12.5 cm
Ex DRG Coins and Antiquities, Bishops Stortford, Essex, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a handwritten dealer's ticket.
