Beschreibung:

BYZANTINE ST. MENAS CERAMIC PILGRIM FLASK 6th-10th century AD A bulbous vessel with two loop handles to the shoulder, conical neck with rolled rim; to one face, a low-relief image of Saint Menas within an arch with sceptre and cross, zigzag border; to the reverse, a decafoil within a zigzag border. 56 grams, 81mm (3 1/4"). Fine condition. Provenance Ex Harvey collection; acquired by the owner's father during the 2nd World War in Palestine. Footnotes Saint Menas, (285 - circa 309 AD), the martyr and wonder-worker, is one of the most well-known Egyptian saints in the East and the West, due to the many miracles that are attributed to his intercession and prayers. Menas was an Egyptian soldier in the Roman army, martyred because he refused to recant his Christian faith. His feast day is celebrated every year on November 24 in the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Although Menas is recognized as a minor saint in the Western churches, it is considered likely by many historians that he is celebrated in these churches under the name of Saint Christopher (i.e. the "Christ-bearer"), as one of the legends associated with Menas has him, like Christopher, carrying the Christ-Child. Date Thursday 12th February 2015 - Saturday 14th February 2015, Antiquities & Coin Catalogue Auction TimeLine Auctions Ltd arranges printed catalogue rostrum Auctions, eAuctions and Timed Auctions where we offer antiquities, ancient artefacts / artifacts, antiques, collectibles, coins, medals and books for public sale.