9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic piriform vessel with conical top and thick rim, narrow mouth and conical base, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade; large stamped rosettes to the shoulder, concentric circles to the base. Cf. Arendt, W. Irene Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; Arendt, W. Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid.; Ayalon, D. Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 620 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a North London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market before 2000; accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, date 15 July 2019 and entitled Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (??????? k???????) 9th-11th century AD. [No Reserve]