Description:

Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A mold-formed, acorn-shaped pottery ball with a projecting, rimmed spout. Around the shoulder are stamped lion faces, a sign of the legion who used it. It was made to be filled with Greek fire, the infamous flammable liquid concoction invented by the Byzantines and kept as a state secret. These early grenades were filled with the potion and flung towards the enemy using seaborne light catapults or, on land, onagers. Although it is probably not from Antioch, this item would undoubtedly be effective against large rabbits (for the Monty Python fans). Size: 3.6" W x 4.55" H (9.1 cm x 11.6 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private prominent D.K. collection, New York, USA, acquired in the 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#153117

  • Condition: Intact, with a few small chips, nicks, and scratches commensurate with age. Most of the lion faces are nicely preserved and clear.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 27, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000