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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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LOT 1292
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Fern
Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
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Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Animal Head and Cross Below
5th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Slipper-shaped body in plan with double rim around the filler hole, stub nozzle, lug handle in the form of a goat's head, scrolls, cross and other decoration to the shoulder, low basal ring. 72.3 grams, 10.5 cm
From a collection of lamps of a late Scottish gentleman, 1970-1990s. -
Byzantine Bronze Openwork Key
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Comprising an articulated decorative handle with a cross motif, a round-section shaft and an openwork bit. 17.8 grams, 60 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Piriform body with circumferential bands and impressed motifs on the shoulder and wide neck; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 562 grams, 10.3 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.