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LOT 1417
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/4 in. (914 grams, 14.6 cm).
Drum-shaped body with stepped profile, bands of impressed rosette and other detailing, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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'.
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 Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid; cf. Ayalon, D., Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16; the shape is similar with a specimen in the British Museum, inventory no. 1882,0720.1 from Bulandshahr, India, in Hildburgh, W.L., ‘Aeolopiles as fire blowers’ in Archaeologia, 94, 1951, pp.27-55, pl.XVI.c.
FootnotesThis piece was a sort of a ceramic fire grenade, similar to the ones used by the Eastern Romans but of Turco-Mongol type. Apart from the use of manual flame-throwers, special corps of soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations, even in Burma.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1417
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
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Luristan Spearhead Group
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising: long slender javelin head with rectangular-section tang; lentoid-section parallel-sided blade with broad tip and sturdy tang. 226 grams total, 24.2 - 29.5 cm
with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. -
Luristan 'Master of Animals' Bridle Bit
Circa 9th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising: a square-section bar with the ends scrolled in opposite directions; matched pair of outward-facing detailed openwork castings, each cheek-piece showing a god with a horned head above a figural scene with two opposed human figures in profile advancing towards a column with profile animal heads and other detailing; accompanied by a custom-made stand. 1.17 kg total, 19.5 cm wide including stand
From an old private Japanese collection. Acquired from Shimojo Art, Tokyo, Japan, in 2014. From the private collection of a North West London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a previous collection photograph, and the original official Japanese cultural export certificate issued by the Director of Art and Curatorial Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, and invoice, dated 7th November 2014. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12050-217397.
In the Mesopotamian world the forces of chaos are often represented by animals and the gods are seen as the restraining force to these unpredictable powers that could harm the human world. The presence of horns on these figures distinguishes them as being divine and is often found being worn by kings who saw themselves as close to the gods. -
Luristan Copper Flat Axe
Circa 13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed with a squared butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 168 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
