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LOT 1049
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (3.24 grams, 21.80 mm overall, 17.61 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
Slender hoop with scooped shoulders, a hexagonal bezel with a stylised warrior holding a long spear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. for the type Crajovan, B., ‘Inele medievale cu şi fără chaton descoperite pe teritoriul jud. Timiş, România,’ in Patrimonium Banaticum IX, 2019, pp.167–175, pl.3/5.
FootnotesThis category of rings had a hexagonal-rounded chaton raised above the link. Conforming to the iconography of the Orthodox countries under the influence of Byzantium, the possible decoration was related to the military saints.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Spread Eagle
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Discoid bezel with border, incuse spread eagle motif with head turned. 2.51 grams, 22.81 mm overall, 19.97 x 20.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising an expanding hoop and a rectangular bezel with two nimbate figures holding weapons; hoop split. 5.20 grams, 19.41 mm overall, 16.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This Western Balkan category of rings gradually widens towards the rectangular bezel, which is slightly raised above the ring and flattened. The bezel is decorated with stylised images, often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Ovoid in profile with incised dot decoration on the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 912 grams, 15 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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.
