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LOT 1111
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp with Linear Decoration
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (76 grams, 92 mm).
Linear decoration radiating from the large filler hole, with a small handle to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.
LiteratureCf. Rosenthal, R., Sivan, R., Ancient Lamps in the Schloessinger Collection, Jerusalem, 1978, fig.473, for the type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
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From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Bulbous body with pointed base and domed filler-hole, a circumferential band above the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 276 grams, 87 mm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. 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 Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Chevrons
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Lug handle to the rear, band of herringbone pattern around the filler hole, the nozzle with a sunburst motif flanked by ring-and-dot motifs; low basal ring with a central pellet. 60 grams, 93 mm
Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection.
