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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 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with a domed filler hole; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 349 grams, 88 mm
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. -
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Earring Pair
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £187
A matched pair with round-section hoops and decorative 'bulbs' featuring medial ropework collars, with applied beads and collars of 'ropework' to both ends. 9.54 grams total, 35-36 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Byzantine Silver Bearded 'Hidden Face' Belt Mount
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Hollow-formed plaque with lobed outer edge, scooped sides and notched band at the inner edge; openwork circle and crescent motifs; with the remains of the original leather strap. 38.15 grams, 42 mm
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
