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LOT 0302
Urartu Bronze Repoussé Fragment with Advancing Warriors on Horseback
CIRCA 9TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
4 1/2 in. (41 grams, 12 cm wide).
The rectangular fragment with repoussé leaf borders, the outer scene composed of advancing warriors on horseback, each rider holding a round shield and a quiver of arrows on his back, a horned animal and a rosette to the right; the central scene with a winged human-headed bull flanking a tree, possibly a pomegranate tree or a tree of life; the lower edge pierced for attachment.
ProvenanceFrom the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999.
Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0302
Urartu Bronze Repoussé Fragment with Advancing Warriors on Horseback
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
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Elamite Bronze Cudgel with Animals
Circa mid 3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
With ribbed terminals; the upper body with three relief panels of herringbone design, the main body decorated with spikes, three lion bodies arranged vertically, and three ram-head protomes under the central herringbone panel; mounted on a custom-made stand. 650 grams total, 18.5 cm high (26.5 cm high including stand)
Ex Kuizenga collection, Netherlands. Acquired in Hamburg, Germany, 22 December 1995.
Moorey notes that though the rows of spikes suggest that these objects were designed to be mounted on wooden shafts as cudgels, the projections in the form of lions (?) indicates the possibility that they were also used as votive or parade weapons. However, it does not exclude an effective use on the battlefield, especially if used by commanders as signs of rank. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Biconvex body with impressed bands to the shoulder, domed filler-hole, gesso and painted surface, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 575 grams, 15.5 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. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Spearhead
1500-1000 B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With heavily ridged and tapered blade, short collared shaft and tapered bent tang with round stud terminal. 247 grams, 28.5 cm
Acquired in Europe in 1997. European private collection.
