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LOT 1131
Christian 'Simon Stylite' Terracotta Pilgrim's Token
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.82 grams, 26 mm).
Plano-convex in profile with impressed design of a nimbate figure atop a post with ladder to one side, flanked by levitating angels, all within a pelletted border.
ProvenanceEx important Christian collection, 1970s.
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 Reliquary Cross Pendant
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Enkolpion with hinge suspension loop, incised cross fourchee to each face. 4.03 grams, 38 mm
Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. -
Byzantine Ceramic Pilgrim's Flask with Wreath
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Biconvex in section with flared base and mouth, lateral pierced lugs at the shoulders, low-relief wreath detailing to the body. 166 grams, 14.1 cm
Ex Mayfair, London, UK, gallery, 2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Ovoid in profile with incised linear decoration to the shoulder; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 401 grams, 11 cm
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.
