Large Byzantine Glazed Bowl with Swimming Fish

A capsule-shaped openwork gold pendant decorated with vertical columns of filigree figures of eight between beaded tracks, domed cap to each terminal formed as four-petalled flowers with central pellet; two ribbed suspension loops with apex granules. 2.25 grams, 18 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A ceramic vessel with a piriform body and domed mouth, stepped rings to the foot; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 507 grams, 15 cm



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. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.

A slender bracelet with D-section hoop and overlapping terminals, central cross with the five wounds of Christ represented as a shallow dimple to each arm and central silver circular boss, vertical ribs and dimples to the shoulders, waisted terminals decorated with vertical grooves and dot-in-ring motifs. 15.07 grams, 66 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman.