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Description
Description
This delicate Roman glass tear bottle, dating back to the 1st century CE, is a poignant artifact, steeped in historical and emotional significance. Also known as a "lachrymatory", this vessel was crafted to collect and preserve the tears of mourners during times of grief or deep emotion. Its slender neck and rounded base highlight the artistry of Roman glassblowers, while the shimmering iridescence on its surface—created through centuries of burial—adds an ethereal quality to this timeless piece.
Tear bottles were not only a symbol of mourning but also a deeply personal object, reflecting the heartfelt rituals of remembrance practiced by the Romans and those in the biblical world. Small, portable, and elegant, this bottle would have been treasured by its owner as a keepsake of love and devotion.
Biblical Significance
Tears are frequently mentioned in the Bible as expressions of grief, repentance, and heartfelt prayer. Psalm 56:8 speaks of God collecting tears in a bottle, a metaphor for His care and remembrance of human sorrow. This Roman tear bottle offers a tangible connection to the emotional and spiritual life of the biblical era, echoing the deep significance of mourning and divine comfort during Jesus' time.
Weight: 29.2 grams
Height: 6.5 cm
Period and Time
Period and Time
Early Roman Empire (27 BCE – 284 CE)
The use of tear bottles was a common mourning practice in the Roman Empire, particularly during the 1st century CE. This artifact reflects the customs of a time when grief was expressed in physical, tangible ways. Mourning rituals involved collecting tears as symbols of loss and devotion, which were often buried with the deceased or kept as tokens of memory. The craftsmanship of this bottle, coupled with its personal purpose, underscores the cultural values of both Roman society and the biblical world.
Material
Material
Hand-blown Roman glass
Crafted using silica-rich sand and natron, Roman glass was both lightweight and durable, making it ideal for personal and ceremonial use. This tear bottle, created through free-blowing techniques, features a narrow neck to ensure the preservation of its contents and a rounded base for stability. The iridescence, resulting from centuries of mineral interaction during burial, enhances its aesthetic beauty and historical depth. Such bottles were valued for their emotional significance and as a testament to Roman ingenuity.
