Byzantine "Greek Fire" Hand Grenade // 800-1000 AD

An excellent Byzantine ceramic "Greek Fire" hand grenade, circa 800-1000 AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with a piriform body, short neck, and a rounded rim with small hole. Stamped concentric circles and deeply-engraved grooves overall, which allowed the grenade to easily break apart on impact, spreading or splattering the flammable material inside. "Greek Fire” was intended to be filled with explosive or highly flammable liquid and a wick was inserted and ignited before being thrown. These were often used in naval battles as the ships and sails were made of wood and cloth, and the Greek Fire liquid could continue burning while floating on the water. Size: L: 6.5”, W: 3”. Ex Oxfordshire, UK private collection; acquired on the European art market before 2000.Accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance.