Byzantine Ceramic 手榴弾 (No reserve price)





Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142824 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Byzantine ceramic hand grenade, a hollow globular vessel with a short neck and small mouth, undecorated except for two incised grooves on the upper shoulder, dating to circa 9th–11th century AD, 11.5 cm high and 8.5 cm wide, acquired from a private UK collection (circa 1990s), authenticity: original/official.
Description from the seller
ビザンチン帝国の陶器製容器で、中空の不均一な球形の胴体と丸い底部を特徴とする。上部は短い首へと立ち上がり、厚い縁で小さな口に絞られている。表面は装飾されていないが、上肩部を囲む二本の簡素な環状溝だけが残る。このような品は“Greek Fire”として知られる爆発性液体で満たされ、手榴弾として用いられた。表面には土成分の付着が見られる。年月を経た摩耗の跡(傷、点状の凹凸、胴体の欠け)も認められる。口部の欠損。胴体の大半に大きなへこみがある。
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon in the Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from 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) H 11.5cm x W 8.5cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
ビザンチン帝国の陶器製容器で、中空の不均一な球形の胴体と丸い底部を特徴とする。上部は短い首へと立ち上がり、厚い縁で小さな口に絞られている。表面は装飾されていないが、上肩部を囲む二本の簡素な環状溝だけが残る。このような品は“Greek Fire”として知られる爆発性液体で満たされ、手榴弾として用いられた。表面には土成分の付着が見られる。年月を経た摩耗の跡(傷、点状の凹凸、胴体の欠け)も認められる。口部の欠損。胴体の大半に大きなへこみがある。
Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, was the most famous weapon in the Byzantine arsenal, saving the Byzantines for centuries from 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) H 11.5cm x W 8.5cm
Provenance: Ex private UK collection, acquired 1990s.
Seller's Story
Details
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.

