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LOT 1358
Byzantine Bronze Seal Matrix with Bird
6TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.8 grams, 27 mm).
Conical matrix with loop and radiating petals, underside with a standing bird facing back.
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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LOT 1358
Byzantine Bronze Seal Matrix with Bird
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Fern
5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Slipper-shaped body with raised rim around the filler hole, tapering nozzle, lug handle to the rear, low-relief frond decoration to the discus, small basal ring. 63.2 grams, 88 mm
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Large Byzantine Period Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Piriform oil lamp with small filler hole and a loop handle to the rear, low-relief linear decoration on the body. 207 grams, 13.4 cm
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Cylindrical body with thickened base and angled shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 365 grams, 10.1 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.
