9th-11th century AD. A hollow ceramic vessel with domed top and conical base intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade; a band of stamped leaves to the shoulder, circumferential lines below; tiered neck with narrow aperture. Cf. Arendt, W. I., 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. 976 grams, 17cm (6 3/4"). Property of a North London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market before 2000; accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (??????? k???????) 9th-11th century AD.