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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 Silver-Gilt Earring Pair
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £187
A matched pair with round-section hoops and decorative 'bulbs' featuring medial ropework collars, with applied beads and collars of 'ropework' to both ends. 9.54 grams total, 35-36 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Ceramic Oil Lamp Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Comprising: a piriform lamp with a band of stylised quadrupeds surrounding the large filler hole, ribbed handle; a discoid lamp with raised linear decoration, wheel motif to base. 195 grams total, 9.6-10.1 cm
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Bulbous body with domed filler hole, two circumferential bands below the neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 407 grams, 89 mm
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.
