9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with domed top and conical base, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade; band of incised vertical lines above the shoulder with two pairs of incised lines below; short neck with narrow aperture. Cf. Arendt, W. Irene Granaten des 13-14. Jahrhunderts, die an der Wolga gefunden sind, Zeitschrift fur Historische Waffen-und Kostumkunde, 11 (1926-8), p.42; Arendt, W. Die Spharisch-konischen Gefasse aus Gebranntem Ton, ibid.; Ayalon, D. Gunpowder and Firearms in the Mamluk Kingdom, London, 1956, p.16. 629 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a North London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Fair condition.