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LOT 0915
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Dolphin
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
5 5/8 in. (175 grams, 14.3 cm).
Central figure of a stylised dolphin in low-relief with two filling holes on each side, horseshoe-shaped decorative band of flowers and lozenges on the rim; low basal ring and rounded nozzle.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Switzerland.
Acquired by Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, from the above in 2011.
This lot 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): £143
Piriform in profile with narrow point and domed mouth; vertical strokes to the lower body, a band of annulets and branches to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 401 grams, 13.5 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 Buckle-Plate with Combat Scene
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial and three pierced lugs to the reverse; raised rim enclosing a scene with advancing gladiator and a lion(?) preparing to attack. 19.1 grams, 49 mm
Ex London and Home Counties gentleman, R.W., 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Large Byzantine Gold Ring with Christ Engraved on a Green Chalcedony Gemstone
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
With round-section hoop and discoid stepped bezel, inset chalcedony cloison with nimbate bust of Christ. 10.07 grams, 26.22 mm overall, 20.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)
UK collection, acquired 1971. with Christie's, London, 5 July 2023, no.61. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 220507. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12691-235717. 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.
