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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 Inscribed Bone Plaque
Circa 6th-10th century AD.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Obverse with low-relief bust wearing conical headgear, with trefoil sceptre and hatched robe; reverse with legend 'ΚΕΒΟΗΙΤΟ' ('T' inverted). 3.12 grams, 38 mm
Ex Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s. -
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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. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
bulbous in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 338 grams, 10 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.
