Ancient Roman Glass Tear Collecting Bottle

**Time of Jesus: 1st Century AD**

This artifact is a blown glass vessel featuring a tubular rim, a cylindrical neck that widens toward the base, and a squat globular body with a flat base. Known as one of the earliest types of blown-glass, it allows for slow pouring and easy stoppering. 

Popular throughout the Roman Empire, these bottles were typically used for perfumes and scented oils and were often placed in burial caves, earning them the name “tear bottles.” They were believed to collect the tears of mourners.

In Scripture, the tradition of collecting tears is highlighted in Psalms 56:8, where King David says, “…put my tears into your bottle.” Additionally, in Luke 7:38, a sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, likely saved in a similar bottle. 

This tear-collecting bottle symbolizes repentance in Christ and comes with a certificate of authenticity and export approval, shipped directly from the Holy Land.