Posted 9 years ago
PostCardCo…
(437 items)
This is a contemporary 40 year REPRODUCTION of an EGYPTIAN TEAR VIAL,(First or Second Kingdom and probably beyond) handblown, etched and decorated, tear vase sent to me from Cairo many,many years ago by a gent. friend.
I have feared handling it because of the delicate nature of it. These are collected and there is even a beautiful book called "Egyptian Vials" with color photos and interesting text. It seems hundreds of these beautiful vials have been found in pyramid tombs of persons of high rank and maybe tombs of family loved ones also... I don't know the costs of the book, or my "tear vase" because it was a gift, precious to me.
In ancient times these were collected from women (maybe men too!) who mourned the passing of Pharaoh, or high ranking persons and these vials were buried with them in the tombs!!
From the book beautiful book called "Egyptian Vials" with color photos and interesting text. It seems QUOTE FROM BOOK "hundreds of these beautiful vials have been found in pyramid tombs " END OF QUOTE.
Nice piece! Can see why you are afraid to handle it, it looks so fragile......am I see correctly, is it irrodecent? It reminds me of the tint on carnival glass. Very beautiful, and full of rich culture.......thanks for sharing! Ginny.
It does have that effect in the clear part. I am glad you did find it...and can see what I was describing on YOUR site. OOOps! See ya around here, I hope!!!
"Tear vials" are still being made today. Modern versions are highly decorated - even more so than your example. Interestingly, they cost about the same as ancient ones from the 1st century (around $200-300.). Whether yours is intended as a modern tear vial or a perfume bottle is not clear from the appearance. I haven't checked the previous link.
A surprise--I haven't broken it yet.--and I have no desire to put it on eBay--This is forever for me....eternity....
It has a nice ambiance around it and I love to take it out from time to time and hold it awhile.