Loading, please wait...
LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold Openwork Earring Pair
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (5.75 grams total, 28-29 mm).
Each a crescent plaque with beaded borders, sprung hook and catch; openwork foliage motif with two opposing birds. [2]
ProvenancePrivate collection, 1990s-early 2000s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold Openwork Earring Pair
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
-
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Piriform body with a rounded base and domed mouth, circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 747 grams, 14 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. -
Byzantine Silver Ring with Monogram
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Comprising a round-section hoop with an applied discoid bezel bearing a monogram. 2.39 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 17.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Openwork Beads from Earrings
10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £550 - 750 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £275
Each a spherical cage with ropework texturing, a granule at each node; oval glass bead within. 13.8 grams, 22 mm each
Acquired on the Swiss art market, 1998. Private collection, Europe.
The openwork beads were prepared to be inserted in an earring of ‘Grapevine’ typology, III type of earring in the Niederle classification. Similar specimens, imported from Byzantium, were found in Tokaj (Hungary) and dated to the time of the Emperor Romanus Lekapenos (920-944 A.D.).
