Byzantine Silver Inlaid Weight

A large polychrome glazed bowl displaying a stylised swimming fish to interior base with frieze of simple geometric forms below the rim; heavily restored. 1.55 kg, 34.5 cm diameter



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.

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.

A polychrome glazed ceramic sgraffito jug with a carinated body, flared neck and integral handle, decorated with stylised foliate and geometric motifs. 343 grams, 15.5 cm



Ex private German collection, 1980s.