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LOT 0741
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Head of a Goddess
5TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (79 grams, 11.6 cm).
With a large sub circular filling hole and a narrow channel running towards the nozzle; stylised animal motifs and linear decoration to the body; the integral handle formed as the head of a goddess with rounded face and curly hair; low basal ring from which raised tendrils radiate. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 1990s/early 2000s.
From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0741
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Head of a Goddess
Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
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Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight Group
6th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising four weights: one octagonal with remains of an inlaid cross and lettering to one side; a smaller octagonal weight; a round weight with recessed faces, an annulet to one side and a possible letter to the other; a circular weight with one recessed side, boss to the centre and incised symbols on the field. 128 grams total, 25-33 mm
From a 1990s English collection. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Piriform body with domed filler-hole, decorated with two circumferential bands of circlets; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 351 grams, 96 mm
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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Late Byzantine Tinned Bronze Signet Ring with Inscription and Dove in Centre
Circa 14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With facetted shoulders, octagonal bezel with incuse border, central dove motif and surrounding Greek legend 'ΗΠΔΟΗΜαΡ'. 10.05 grams, 23.91 mm overall, 19.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
