900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Decorated Byzantine "fire grenade" comprising a blackish-grey vessel with a spheroconical body, and short, squat neck. Incised decoration comprising alternating rectangles and rondels is visible on the shoulders. 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:170mm / W:110mm ; 575g; Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.