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LOT 0161
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Lamp Collection
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 - 4 in. (337 grams total, 8.9-10.1 cm).
A collection of five terracotta oil lamps including slipper and discoid types with shaped ledge handles, each decorated with raised geometric motifs composed largely of pellets and plain lines. [5]
ProvenanceEx Y.M. collection, Tiberias, Israel.
Private Swiss collection.
Cf. De Vincenz, A., ‘Ceramic Vessels and Oil Lamps from the Burial Cave at ‘En Lavan, Nahal Refa’im’ in Atiqot, 98, 2020, pp.103-122, fig.8, for similar.
FootnotesSome authors suggest that these 'candlestick' lamps were produced in or around Jerusalem: this has been confirmed by the discovery of a lamp workshop at Zuba, in which large candlestick lamps with a radiating pattern and their moulds were found. Based on evidence from the City of David and the Jewish Quarter, these lamps begin to appear in the mid-6th century and continue throughout the 7th century A.D.
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LOT 0161
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Lamp Collection
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Trade Weight Collection
Circa 10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
A mixed group of bronze trade weights of various shapes and sizes, including examples bearing decorated letters. 72 grams total, 12-21 mm
German art market, 1990s. Mr A.H., a North American collector living in the UK. -
Byzantine Gold Earrings with Gemstone Drops
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
A pair of gold earrings, each with a tapering hoop and chain suspending a cross set with polished garnet at the centre and a pearl bead to each arm, drop positioned at the centre of the chain composed of a gold stem with coiled wire sleeve, granulated bead and emerald bead below. 13.6 grams total, 90-96 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11635-198428. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 507 grams, 15 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. 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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
