Byzantine Green Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Bowl

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. 1.06 kg, 21.5 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.

With facetted hoop and conical architectural bezel with applied filigree decoration, set with an emerald with engraved dove flying left. 7.55 grams, 37.12 mm overall, 20.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W, USA 11, Europe 25, Japan 24)



Ex Michael O'hara collection, before 1989. From the private collection of the late A.B., London, UK. 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.12004-213033.

The quality of this finger ring suggests that it was the work of an excellent goldsmith who may have worked for the court in Constantinople or an important provincial imperial capital, like Ravenna or Carthage.

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.