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Details
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]
Provenance
From a retired Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman's collection, a long time member of the Pewter Society.
Literature
Cf. Museum of Byzantine Culture, Thessaloniki, item ΒΑ 74/13.
Footnotes
For 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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LOT 1348
Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Koutrouvion Holy Water Flask with Saint
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
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