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LOT 0165
Late Byzantine Green Glass Aryballos
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (329 grams, 94 mm wide).
Substantial jar with dimple base, trumpet-shaped mouth with brad rim and flanked by two loop handles.
ProvenanceFrom the early 19th century collection of General Sir George Cockburn (1763-1847), Shanganagh Castle, Co Wicklow, Ireland, sold at auction between 1935-1939.
From the collection of the late Dr J.D.H. Widdness, Dublin, Ireland.
Accompanied by a handwritten letter by Dr Widdness explaining the bottle's history and provenance, plus a typed transcription.
Accompanied by a copy of an old black and white photograph of Dr Widdness holding and admiring the bottle while sitting in his study.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Cabochon
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Hoop with snakeheads to the shoulders, discoid plaque with beaded collar, cell with claw setting for an amethyst cabochon. 4.93 grams, 19.40 mm overall, 12.57 mm internal diameter
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. -
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Byzantine Bead Bracelet with Cross
15th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £111
Restrung; composed of annular and biconvex carnelian beads, together with a bronze Christian cross with the Five Wounds of Christ represented as ring-and-dot ornament. 4.28 grams, 18 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Piriform body with vertical ribbing along the whole length, domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 556 grams, 13.1 cm
From a specialist collection of militaria, London, UK, collected 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.
