Ca. 800-1000 AD. A ceramic grenade also referred to as 'Greek Fire'. This hollow ceramic vessel consists of a piriform body, with a short neck and a domed rim. The body is decorated with upper register of engraved decoration and grooved bottom. 'Greek Fire' was intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick and used as a hand grenade. Typically, it was used in naval battles as it could continue burning while floating on the water.Size: L:90mm / W:130mm ; 495gProvenance: Private Oxfordshire collection; Formerly acquired on the European art market from pre-2000 collections.