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LOT 1083
Byzantine Enamelled Brooch with Bird
9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (9.73 grams, 35 mm).
The outer ring linked by six radiating ellipsoid spokes to a central hub, pin-lug, pin and catch to the reverse; the outer ring with median band of enamel, similar to each of the spokes; the hub with enamel-filled bird motif on a plain, enamelled field. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1978.
Private collection, UK.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Ceramic Pilgrim's Flask with St Menas and Inscription
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Hollow body discoid in profile and lentoid in section with thick loop handles to the shoulders, low-relief scene of a nimbate man between beasts to obverse, Greek text to reverse 'AΓΙΟΥ / MHNA/EYΛO[ΓΙ]A' (the blessing of Saint Menas). 101 grams, 89 mm
Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
A piriform missile with domed and segmented filler-hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 792 grams, 15 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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. -
Byzantine Silver Cross Pendant with Enamel
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Slender arms radiating from a central disc with beaded rim, enamel cloisons. 1.92 grams, 27 mm
Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridge, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. Accompanied by a typed dealer's ticket.
