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LOT 0205
Byzantine Rock Crystal Pendant
CIRCA 8TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (18.87 grams, 50 mm).
Biconvex crystal bead mounted on a gold rod with bulb below, hinged bale above; obverse with intaglio nimbate bust of Christ, reverse with nimbate bust of Mary.
ProvenanceAcquired from a London, UK, gallery, 1980s.
From a North American gentleman's collection, 1980-1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12692-235761.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; rosettes separated by vertical lines to the upper body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 417 grams, 11 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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 Bronze Five Wounds of Christ Cross Pendant
Circa 12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
With rounded arms, each with concentric circles and a raised boss to the centre likely representing the Five Wounds of Christ. 5.21 grams, 36 mm
Ex Garcia collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Floral Gold Applique
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed as three-tiered flower with filigree wire framing the petals, applied pellet to the centre. 0.69 grams, 10 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
