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LOT 0991
Byzantine Gold Star Ring
CIRCA 13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (1.76 grams, 23.61 mm overall, 20.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)).
Composed of a slender carinated hoop adorned with filigree supporting a hollow-formed star-shaped bezel set with central polished cabochon garnet and granules, each of six arms pierced, remaining granule to one shoulder.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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Arab-Byzantine Bronze Casket with Crosses and Naskh Inscription
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Rectangular in plan with tapering sides and flared stub feet; separate lid with chamfered sides; sidewalls decorated with low-relief border of knotwork surrounding roundels with geometric and floral ornament, with a cross motif above and below; iron securing strips to the lid and side; underside with knotwork panel. 959 grams, 14.3 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Overlapping Bars
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
With pierced polyhedral upper and knop above, body formed as two intersecting fusiform bars with recess. 32.8 grams, 66 mm
Belgian collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian. -
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Piriform body decorated from concentric circles, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.01 kg, 15 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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.
