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LOT 1134
Byzantine Silver Ring with Cross
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.98 grams, 26.57 mm overall, 20.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)).
Slender hoop and raised discoid bezel with cross motif. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Articulated enkolpion with loop; incised robed and nimbate figure to obverse in orans pose with legend below arms 'ICXC' (abbreviation for Jesus Christ); reverse with incised robed and nimbate figure to obverse in orans pose with stars surrounding. 22.8 grams, 63 mm
Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Featuring a low-relief corpus christi and integral suspension loop. 6.72 grams, 47 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Piriform in profile with domed mouth, impressed line and dot decoration on the upper body, raised bosses and impressed lattice to the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 567 grams, 14 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'.
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.
