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LOT 0789
Byzantine Redware Bread Seal
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (239 grams, 10.2 cm).
Bearing a central hand motif and surrounding inscription in Greek letters 'K E R A Y I O I T H I M (?)' probably the mark of the producer. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. Friedenberg, D.M., ‘The evolution and Uses of Jewish Byzantine Stamp Seals’ in The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, Vol. 52/53 (1994/1995), pp.1-21, figs. 18,18b, for similar stamps.
FootnotesMuseum collections hold many stamps or seals of different forms, materials and shapes, some bearing inscriptions or images. These could have been used on bread, dough or on fresh clay to stamp amphoras, bricks, lamps and other clay objects.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Ceramic 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Of piriform shape, with raised inverted tear-shaped bulbs over the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 932 grams, 15.2 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private 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 Bronze Ring with Griffin
12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Discoid bezel with incuse rampant griffin. 3.54 grams, 21.36 mm overall, 16.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Repousse Belt Mount
7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Featuring tongue-shaped decorative elements and geometric and foliate motifs; formed as an opposed pair of capital 'M' characters; on the reverse two attachment loops. 3.36 grams, 34 mm
Acquired in the 1990s. Private collection, Suffolk, UK.
The letter M is probably intended for 'Maria'.
