A grey ceramic piriform vessel, Greek Fire, with a thickened rim enclosing a narrow circular mouth and decoration of incised groups of concentric circles around the shoulders.
Supplied with a metal display stand.
Byzantine Circa 12th-14th century AD.
Very Fine condition
Height of the vessel 16.2 cms (6.4 ins). Weight 895 grams.
Provenance: From a collection of a North London gentleman, latterly with a London gallery.
Literature:
W. Arendt Irene Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p. 42 W. Arendt Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid. D. Ayalon Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p. 16.
For an example of the type see Lot 331 Christie's Sale 8829 Arms and armour 12 July 2000.
Contemporary accounts indicate that like an early form of Molotov cocktail, such vessels were filled with flammable material such as naphtha a wick was inserted into the aperture and lit, and the whole vessel hurled at the enemy. They were mainly used in naval engagements and would have been devastating against wooden ships.
There was at one time considerable controversy over the purpose of these items, however an article published by W. Arendt in 1931 established beyond doubt that they are grenades.
top of page
TimesAncient
antiquities for sale
experience the wonder of handling and contemplating objects from ancient times
Member of the Antiquities Dealers' Association
Payment options depend on the country:
PayPal
Credit/debit card
GooglePay
ApplePay and others ...
We encourage buyers to ask about provenance on items for sale and to keep safe any ownership history provided.
We only buy and sell authentic objects that are legitimately sourced, and we will provide buyers with a certificate of authenticity, including any known provenance.
EU customers
You might like to contact us before purchasing to make arrangements for import VAT to be paid in advance (DDP).
(Malheuresement ce n'est pas possible d'envoyer Rendu Droits Acquittés en France.)
SKU: K490
£175.00Price
Our blog
bottom of page