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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 '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. -
Byzantine Bifacial Gemstone with Religious Scenes
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
To one face an incuse cross above an agnus dei, to the other Christ enthroned in majesty with worshipper. 2.96 grams, 21 mm
Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection. -
Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Hollow-formed sheet gold cruciform pendant with filigree ropework to the end of each expanding tubular arm, band of beading to the upper face of each arm and central pellet; bale to the upper end. 3.67 grams, 40 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12114-218167.
