Byzantine Ceramic Hand Grenade (No reserve price)
08
days
05
hours
46
minutes
14
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Byzantine ceramic vessel in the form of a hand grenade, circa 9th–11th century AD, with an elongated body, tapering base, constricted neck, conical head with a short cylindrical mouth, four vertical ribs on the shoulder, earth encrustations and wear including surface pitting and chips, perforation at the neck, dimensions 15.3 cm by 7.4 cm, authentic original and acquired from a private collection in 2000.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring an elongated body with a tapering base. The vessel constricts at the neck and widens into a conical head with a short, cylindrical mouth. The shoulder is decorated with four evenly spaced, vertical projecting ribs while the conical head is stepped. Earthly encrustations to the surface and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, scratches and chipping to the body. The conical head and pointed base both present with large chips and there is a perforation on the neck of the vessel.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements (circa): L 15.3cm x W 7.4cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring an elongated body with a tapering base. The vessel constricts at the neck and widens into a conical head with a short, cylindrical mouth. The shoulder is decorated with four evenly spaced, vertical projecting ribs while the conical head is stepped. Earthly encrustations to the surface and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, scratches and chipping to the body. The conical head and pointed base both present with large chips and there is a perforation on the neck of the vessel.
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon of Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from Arab attacks. Being used in both defence and attack situations, the weapon proved significant in the survival of the Byzantine Empire. The formula for the flammable mixture was closely guarded for centuries and irredeemably lost after the collapse of the Empire. Its precise composition thus remains unknown to this day, though research suggests the use of petroleum as a vital ingredient. Their average size and grip suggest the vessel being thrown by hand, in short-range conflicts, but this does not exclude the use of grenades in long-distance battles and at sea; as they were most likely hurled by catapults.
Measurements (circa): L 15.3cm x W 7.4cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Circa 9th-11th Century AD
Name of object
Hand Grenade
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
