Lot 134
Eastern Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 13th century CE. A trio of stout, enigmatic sphero-conical vessels rises from the Byzantine twilight, each one shaped for the hand and carved with designs that still murmur old secrets. These fired-clay containers belong to a class of multipurpose vessels whose functions have long fascinated scholars, for they appear at the crossroads of daily life, ritual, science, and warfare. The first vessel bears a pale greenish body incised with vertical panels of hourglass motifs framed by dotted borders. Its form is thick-walled and weighty, tapering to a narrow, pierced nozzle. The second example carries a dense lattice of triangles and small concentric circles, an orderly geometry that reflects the mathematical ornament favored in Byzantine decorative arts. The third vessel is distinguished by a ring of scrolling roundels, each containing a stylized vegetal swirl, a pattern deeply rooted in the empire's ornamental vocabulary. Size of largest (greenish vessel): 4.5" Diameter x 5.8" H (11.4 cm x 14.7 cm)
All three are thrown in a dense ceramic fabric, their surfaces abraded and earthen from centuries beneath the soil. Sphero-conical vessels are known from sites across the Near East and Eastern Mediterranean. Their purposes were varied: some likely held scented oils or medicines, others chemicals or mercury, and a subset - supported by textual and archaeological evidence - may have contained incendiary mixtures associated with Byzantine warfare. Their thick walls and nozzled openings suit both utilitarian and more dramatic interpretations, and the present group reflects this spectrum of mystery. Together, these three vessels offer an evocative glimpse into Byzantine ingenuity, where practicality, experimentation, and ornament lived side by side, leaving behind objects that continue to challenge and enchant modern collectors.
Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection
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.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#198949
- Condition: All have some chipping, nicks, and abrasions as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent presentations with good remains of decorative motifs and light earthen encrustations in areas.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |