900-1200 AD, Byzantine. Decorated Byzantine "fire grenade" comprising a globular greyish vessel with a short neck, flaring shoulders and a pointed base. 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 petrolum based mixture. Good condition.Size: L:138mm / W:98mm ; 730g; Provenance: From the private collection of a Central London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/European art market before 2000.