Ca. 900–1100 AD. Byzantine. A “Greek fire” grenade comprising an acorn-shaped body, domed lid, and a pointed base. The upper registry of the body is decorated with a central panel of incised rosettes with two further panels above and below embellished with geometrical incised decoration in the shape of concentric triangles. Good condition; custom-made stand included. It is believed that vessels such as this one contained an incendiary agent known as “Greek fire”, which, since it was impervious to water, made these vessels invaluable weapons in naval battles. Unfortunately, the exact composition of the Greek fire is unknown. However, scholars posit that the mixture was composed of pine resin, naphtha, quicklime, and sulphur. To find out more about Greek fire grenades, see Crosby, A. (2002). Throwing fire: Projectile technology through history. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1970s. Size: L:127mm / W:95mm ; 485g