Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Grape Vines

A piriform missile with domed filler-hole (chipped), segmented flanges to the sidewall and impressed texture; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 844 grams, 13 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.

Slipper-shaped in plan with curved lug handle to the rear, raised rim to the filler hole, broad shoulder with raised radiating bars, pellets and undulation, stub nozzle, and low basal ring. 88 grams, 11.4 cm



Ex Israeli collection, 1980s.

With a discoid body and spike handle; circular filling hole enclosed within bands of raised grape-and-vine motifs, hatched shoulder, low-relief starburst to the base. 109 grams, 88 mm



From the Lloyd and Jeanne Raport collection, Washington, D.C. and Florida, USA, formed between 1972-2000. Acquired through Bonhams, London, UK.