Ca. 900-1200 AD.A ceramic hand grenade composed of a globular greyish vessel with a short neck, flaring shoulders, and a pointed base. 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. This item comes with a custom-made display stand.Size: L:100mm / W:65mm ; 365gProvenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets.