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LOT 0169
Byzantine Gold Ring with Head of Christ Gemstone
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (10.36 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 19, Japan 18).).
Round-section hoop with granules to the shoulders, discoid bezel with inset lapis lazuli circle enclosing a later amethyst gemstone with facing bust of Christ Pantocrator.
ProvenanceEx collection of a London lady, 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12968-246371.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 368, for type.
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LOT 0169
Byzantine Gold Ring with Head of Christ Gemstone
Estimate £4,500 - 6,500€5,220 - 7,540 (for guidance only)$6,080 - 8,780 (for guidance only)
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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. -
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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.
