This blown glass vessel features a tubular rim, a widening cylindrical neck, and a squat globular body with a flat base. Known as tear bottles, these elongated containers, common in the Roman Empire, were used to hold perfumes and scented oils. They were often placed in burial caves to collect the tears of mourners.
The practice of collecting tears is referenced in the Bible 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, highlighting the use of such bottles.
This artifact symbolizes repentance in Christ and comes with a certificate of authenticity and export documents, shipped directly from the Holy Land.
