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LOT 1091
Byzantine Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (80 grams, 10.9 cm).
Broad slipper-shaped type with square-ended stub nozzle, broad shoulder with herringbone detailing, discus with ribbed border to the filler-hole, ribbed reflector, and basal ring to the underside. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Israeli collection, 1980s.
LiteratureCf. Porat, R., Davidovich, U., Langford, B., Zissu, B., 'Votive Offerings from the Late Roman Period in the Te' omim Cave, Western Jerusalem Hills' in Taal, O., Weiss, Z., Expression of Cult in Southern Levant in the Greco-Roman Period, Turnhout, 2017, pp.111-130.
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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Western Asiatic Calligraphic Gemstone Group
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Each with chamfered edges and dense panel of calligraphic text. 9.3 grams total, 19-25 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Slender hoop with discoid bezel showing a stylised warrior holding a long spear. 3.78 grams, 21.23 mm overall, 17.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These banded rings, made of bronze sheet with a flattened ellipsoidal head, could be decorated with geometric or animal ornaments executed by shallow carving. In this circumstance, the bezel is decorated with a stylised image, most probably of Archangel Michael, who was asked for protection and blessing. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Ovoid in profile with domed filler hole, linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 269 grams, 85 mm
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'.
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.
