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LOT 0199
Byzantine Terracotta Pilgrim Flask with a Saint
6TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (3 1/2 in.) (47.2 grams, 77 mm (71.4 grams total, 91 mm including stand)).
Piriform in profile with two thick lug handles to the shoulder, obverse with low-relief facing figure holding a large cross and orb, reverse with facing figure with hand held up in the orans posture; with a display stand.
ProvenanceEx private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s.
Acquired from the above, 2001.
Private European collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12110-218216.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 286-289, for discussion; Comstock, M.B. (ed.), Romans and Barbarians, Boston, 1976, p.203, nos.237-239, for similar.
FootnotesAmpullae like this one were filled with water from holy places, like the lake near the Sanctuary of Saint Menas, famous for its healing properties. In Egypt in the 6th-7th century, and throughout the eastern part of the Roman Empire, these ampullae were an integral part of the equipment of pilgrims visiting holy places and who, like today, carried with them a portion of holy water considered miraculous against ailments of the body and soul.
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A large bulbous missile with domed mouth, a circumferential band of annulets to the shoulder, the body misshapen during manufacturing process; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.42 kg, 15 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 '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 Reliquary Cross Plate
10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
The enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose with a smaller robed figure before, inscription above, two nimbate saints to the arms. 49.5 grams, 10.6 cm
Acquired on the German art market, 2003. Private collection, Europe. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
