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LOT 0207
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
9 in. (46 grams, 22.7 cm).
Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, hexagonal-section handle with spike finial; engraved cross potent to either side of the junction.
ProvenanceFrench private collection.
Acquired on the French art market in 2011.
Acquired by the present owner at the above.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12240-222347.
Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, item 27, for type.
FootnotesThe lateral incised cross motifs suggest that the spoon may have had a liturgical purpose, possibly associated with baptism.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0207
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Terracotta Pilgrim's Holy Water Ampula with St Menas
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Piriform in profile with an undecorated body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 484 grams, 12.5 cm
From a specialist collection, London, UK, 1990-2000s. 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. -
Byzantine Lead Cross Collection
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