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LOT 0159
Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings
4TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (8.87 grams total, 42 mm each).
A pair of non-identical gold hoop earrings, each composed of a large bulb, hinged hoop above adorned with three granulated cells set with glass (one insert absent); four circular cells to the equator set with stones of alternating blue and red colour, granulated lozenges between, pyramid bulbs below adorned with granule clusters, collar of suspension loops above; articulate hinges. [2]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0159
Byzantine Inlaid Gold Earrings
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Roundel with Saint
Circa 12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A roundel bearing an angel in high-relief to one face, looking left, the hands in offering gesture covered by his garment, Greek letters 'APX' (for Archangel) on the left side of his face. 29.2 grams, 44 mm
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. -
Byzantine Glazed Sgraffito Jug
12th-15th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
A polychrome glazed ceramic sgraffito jug with a carinated body, flared neck and integral handle, decorated with stylised foliate and geometric motifs. 343 grams, 15.5 cm
Ex private German collection, 1980s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A squat ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, band of impressed discs to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 480 grams, 96 mm
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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
