900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Decorated Byzantine "fire grenade" comprising a brownish-cream ceramic vessel with a spheroconical body; repeating stamped decoration in the form of a prancing beast covers the shoulders of the vessel. Globular vessels such as this example are frequently interpreted as an early type of hand grenades. It is believed that these jars could have contained an incendiary agent such as the infamous "Greek fire" which was impervious to water, making them invaluable weapons in naval battles. Unfortunately, the recipe for "Greek fire was lost with the fall of the Byzantine empire, but it was likely a petroleum-based mixture. Good condition; on a custom stand. Size: L:165mm / W:132mm ; 2kg; Provenance: Obtained from a B.F; previously in a collection formed in the 1980s on the UK art market