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LOT 1348
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Koutrouvion Holy Water Flask with Saint
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 in. (81.1 grams, 73 mm).
With discoid body and cylindrical neck, two lateral small suspension handles; obverse with low-relief facing image of Saint Demetrios with cloak and spear, reverse with Saint Theodora in monastic garments; hatched bands to borders, flange to lower edge; a myrrh flask (koutrouvion). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a retired Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman's collection, a long time member of the Pewter Society.
LiteratureCf. Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki, item ΒΑ 74/13.
FootnotesFor the Byzantines, koutrouvia were vessels made of clay or lead in which pilgrims carried the aromatic oil (myrrh) which they acquired from the cult centres of saints.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1348
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Koutrouvion Holy Water Flask with Saint
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
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Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With central filling hole and small nozzle, U-section channel between, carinated body decorated with running tendril ornament, lug handle; repaired, nozzle chipped. 111 grams, 10.3 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. -
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Byzantine Bronze Buckle and Openwork Plate
7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Comprising integral plate and loop, with articulated flat tongue; openwork design of lobed crosses around a cinquefoil; rivet to each corner (two absent). 20.39 grams, 64 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Piriform in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 530 grams, 13.2 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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.
