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LOT 0158
Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar
5TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (58 grams, 69 mm high).
A mould-blown aubergine glass jar or flask with bulbous body featuring a 'net' design and trumpet-style neck and rim; shallow kick-up to base; iridescent surfaces.
ProvenanceAcquired 1969-1999.
London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0158
Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and eccentrically placed domed mouth, indented line above foot; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 620 grams, 12.5 cm
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. -
Byzantine Silver Ring with Cross
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
A silver ring composed of a slender hoop decorated with raised chevrons, supporting a quatrefoil bezel displaying a Christian cross composed of shallow dimples, enclosed by a dimpled border tracing the four surrounding lobes. 3.56 grams, 21.53 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
English collection formed in the 1990s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Byzantine Bull-Head Attachment with Cross
5th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
An iron attachment composed of a stylised bull's head with slender recurved horns and pricked ears, a Christian expanding arm cross emerging from the animal's head on a rectangular arm. 55 grams, 74 mm
with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.