Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant

The enkolpion with hinge-loops, nimbate figure in orans pose at the centre, flanked by nimbate busts. 7.50 grams, 42 mm



Acquired on the UK art market from the 1990s. From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.

Piriform in profile with a domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 375 grams, 10.6 cm



From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.

An expanding arm cross with five circular cells flanked by ring-and-dot motifs, likely representing the five wounds of Christ; the reverse with a large annulate surrounded by four ring-and-dot motifs. 40 grams, 89 mm



Acquired on the UK art market from the 1990s. From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.