Ancient Roman Glass Tear Bottle

Time of Jesus 1st Century AD. Blown Tubular ledge rim, folded inward, cylindrical neck widening toward the bottom and constructed at the junction with squat globular body, flat base. This type of bottle was popular during the Roman period all throughout the Empire, exhibiting very little variation. Used as containers for perfumes and scented oils, they were frequently placed in burial caves and are thus sometimes referred to as “tear bottles,” believed to have been used for collecting the tears of mourners. From the Bible, the tradition of collecting tears in bottles is mentioned by King David. In Psalms 56:8, “…put my tears into your bottle, are they not written in your book?” In Luke 7:38, a sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. These tears were probably saved and carried in a bottle such as this one. The tear collecting bottle is a unique piece of history from the time of Jesus, which symbolizes repentance in Christ. Comes with a certificate of authenticity and all required documents for export approval. Shipped direct from the Holy Land.