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LOT 0950
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
8 1/2 in. (1.06 kg, 21.5 cm).
Biconical body with longitudinal ribs, separate lead-alloy domed filler-hole with cover, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade.
ProvenanceAcquired 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'.
Cf. Arendt, W. I., Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; cf. Arendt, W., Die Spharisch-konischen Gefäße aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16; the shape finds correspondence with a fire grenade in the Kars Museum, no.14.09.2009.
FootnotesApart 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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LOT 0950
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade with Lead-alloy Filler-Hole
Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
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Byzantine Gilt Bronze Bowl with Religious Scenes
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £10,000 - 14,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5,000
Of squat profile with flared base and drop handle; running tendril bands to the shoulder and base, gilt-inlaid frieze depicting the seated robed figure of Christ holding a staff between two palm trees in a landscape inhabited by a bear, leaping goat, frog, cockerel, hen, eagle, horse, hounds, sheep, lioness, snake, rabbit, duck, boar cow; trees in the background with birds perching on the branches; central roundel with Chi-Rho, alpha and omega; handle with vine tendrils flanked by pellet clusters, saltire to the centre. 1.02 kg, 23 cm wide
From the family collection of Mr E.L. (1915-1991), who collected antiquities from the 1940s, thence by descent. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12059-213551.
The frieze is full of Christian symbolism, mainly concentrated on the image of the good shepherd (Christ) depicted according to the model visible in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and shown on the opposite side of the central roundel. Jesus is represented in a landscape suffused with peace, full of plants and flowers; he has a serene expression and is depicted beardless and surrounded by six sheep. Its clear allusive meaning is that only through Christ can eternal peace be achieved. Another part probably represents the Tree of Life with an array of animals. The vessel probably had a liturgical use, perhaps for the ritual washing of feet during the Easter celebrations or for the blessing of the faithful. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
Circa 12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Two-piece enkolpion with hinged suspension loop, to each face a low-relief Corpus Christi with facing mask above. 29.7 grams, 62 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Collection
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Mixed group of square trade weights with punched-point and impressed detailing. 32 grams total, 9-17 mm
Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
