Rare & Stunning Antique Georgian Lachrymatory Tear Catcher Perfume Bottle c1820

Here on offer is a rare and charming antique Georgian lachrymatory tear catcher crystal, lay down perfume bottle, c1820.

Tear Bottles have been around for about 3000 years. There is evidence in ancient Rome, Egypt and other nations around the world.  Legend has it that our ancestors have used the small glass vessels to collect their tears, as a means for mourning and respect. Today, modern Tear Bottles are given to symbolize the emotions of love, joy, sorrow and remembrance. The gift of the tear bottle is often given at times of loss and bereavement, weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries and other rites of passage.  They make a heartfelt keepsake to treasure. In the United States Civil War, there are stories of soldiers leaving their wives or new brides with a tear bottle hoping that the bottles would be full upon their return, signifying their wives devotion. It has also been said that the widows would go to the grave on the anniversary of the first year of their loved one's death and sprinkle the tears on the grave to signify the end of the first year of mourning.

These rare antique lachrymatory or tear catcher bottles are from the Georgian period, around 1820. While these are usually called tear catchers or lachrymatories, they are actually perfume flasks that were made as disposable bottles for transporting Rose Water or Oxford Lavender water. Once the purchaser got it home she would decant the perfume into her own scent bottle and often these were thrown away, hence their rarity.

This gorgeous perfume bottle has been made from beautiful crystal glass with subtlety faceted sides giving an ethereal quality. The bottle has been further accented with dense cross cut panels accented with gilding, the design includes gilt geometric patterns and blossoms. The profile of the bottle does not allow for it to be stood up securely and would be lain down. The bottle retains a very old stopper, but it may not be the original stopper, it fits securely into the neck. Due to the small cavity within the bottle, these delightful pieces have earned the romantic name of tear catcher or lachrymatory bottles.

This delightful perfume bottle is offered in good antique condition and measures about 10.8cm by 1.9cm by 1.7cm.

A gorgeous and rare collectable that would be an asset to any collection.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition.

Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

I am always happy to combine postage, all I ask if you let me know if you are bidding on more than one item within a few days of each other. I will pack and weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better value for you