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LOT 1292
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Fern
5TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (63.2 grams, 88 mm).
Slipper-shaped body with raised rim around the filler hole, tapering nozzle, lug handle to the rear, low-relief frond decoration to the discus, small basal ring. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s.
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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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Formed of expanding round-section arms with a raised plaque at the centre on both sides. 11.44 grams, 55 mm
Acquired on the UK art market from the 1990s. From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Engraved Bone Spindle Whorl with Birds Below Canopy
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Barrel-shaped with incised ring-and-dot ornament forming an arcade. 7.78 grams, 17.78 mm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
bulbous in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 338 grams, 10 cm
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.
