1870s Antique Islamic Handblown "Tear Catcher", Vase Bottle Perfume Sprinkler, in Cobalt Blue Glass

Description

Antique Persian "tear catcher" vase bottle sprinkler, in cobalt blue glass, handblown, 1870`s ca, Middle East.

This antique item has … more Antique Persian "tear catcher" vase bottle sprinkler, in cobalt blue glass, handblown, 1870`s ca, Middle East.

This antique item has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. It is ready to use.

Presented here is an antique 19th Century circa handblown glass vase/bottle/perfume sprinkler or rosewater dispenser, widely romantically known in history as a "Tear Catcher" or "Ashkdan" in Persian.

The tear bottle in mourning tradition has endured for many years. Tear bottles, or lachrymatory, were common in ancient Egypt and Roman times, reappearing again in Victorian times during the 19th Century.

This antique one was probably produced in the Middle East in the 19th Century, when glass production was revived around the 1870`s.

Handblown in a transparent cobalt blue colour, is almost plain with very subtle tiny bubbles. The neck elongates and curves leading to a tear drop eye shaped top. The pontil mark, proving it was handblown, is present & very noticeable at the bottom.

This vase is quite rare with the bulbous base divided into five sections, instead of being a round and plain base, like in most found examples.

The neck elongates and curves leading to a tear drop eye shaped top with a double decorative trim. According to ancient tradition is here where the eye was supported to drop the tears. Most likely in practical real life, this shape helped direct the product (like perfume) when sprinkling.

This antique piece is in very good condition for its age, with no chips or cracks. Minor superficial marks & rubbing at bottom as expected in line with age & wear.

Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care while packing. For safe transport the vase would be wrapped in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. It would easily fit into a box with loose fill packing nuts, safe for posting with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).

Please note that the shipping cost advertised here also includes all destination import duties & local taxes as required by Chairish, so we will ship from the United Kingdom to USA this item DTP (Duties & Taxes Paid).

ISLAMIC ANTIQUE GLASS TEAR CATCHER MYTHS/HISTORY

The tear bottle in mourning tradition has endured for many years. Tear bottles, or lachrymatory, were common in ancient Egypt, Persia and Roman times.

According to these old traditions, tear-catchers are believed to have been given to new brides whose husbands were away at war for long periods in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The brides would capture their tears inside the vase and on their husband’s return, would measure the amount of tears shed as an expression of their love for their partner.

Most recently, in a more pragmatic & practical way, it is believed that they were used just as vessels to sprinkle rosewater, in order to perfume a room. less