Byzantine Ceramic Hand Grenade with Incised Decoration (No reserve price)
08
days
09
hours
04
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53
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Starting 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 € 210 - € 250
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Byzantine ceramic vessel in the form of a hollow hand grenade with incised decoration, dating to circa 9th–11th century AD, made of ceramic, in good condition, acquired from a private collection in 2000, with measurements 12 cm long by 9 cm wide.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Byzantine ceramic vessel featuring a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a small flattened mouth. The shoulder of the vessel is encircled with faint incised motif of repeating leaf-shapes filled in with geometric decoration. A wide horizontal body proceeds to a narrow, peaked base. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Minor scratches to the body and earthly encrustations as typical for age. A crack to the side 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: L 12cm x W 9cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
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 a hollow globular body with a pointed base. To the top, the vessel rises into a small flattened mouth. The shoulder of the vessel is encircled with faint incised motif of repeating leaf-shapes filled in with geometric decoration. A wide horizontal body proceeds to a narrow, peaked base. Such an item would have been filled with an explosive liquid known as ‘Greek Fire’ and used as a hand grenade. Minor scratches to the body and earthly encrustations as typical for age. A crack to the side 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: L 12cm x W 9cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
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 with Incised Decoration
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
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.
