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LOT 1312
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Jesus Riding a Donkey
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (1.92 grams, 21.99 mm overall, 19.65 x 19.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)).
Comprising a slender hoop with an oval bezel featuring an image of Jesus riding on a donkey before a robed man. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an English private collection, 1980s.
Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
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Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With central filling hole and small nozzle, U-section channel between, carinated body decorated with running tendril ornament, lug handle; repaired, nozzle chipped. 111 grams, 10.3 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine Bronze Plate with Combat Scene
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial and three pierced lugs to the reverse; raised rim enclosing a scene with an advancing gladiator and a beast preparing to attack. 14.83 grams, 38.39 mm
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Piriform body with circumferential bands and impressed motifs on the shoulder and wide neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 562 grams, 10.3 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.
