Hourglass of the XVII century.

Hourglass of the seventeenth century.
In carved bone.
Blown glass flask.

This hourglass is an exquisite piece from the 17th century, whose structure is entirely made of carved bone. The clock has a cylindrical structure, formed by two circular discs richly decorated with delicate floral and geometric motifs engraved in low relief, testimony to the meticulous skill of the craftsmen of the time. Between the discs stand six finely polished and symmetrically arranged turned columns of baluster section, which protect the delicate body of blown glass in the form of a double bulb, where the sand flows slowly from the upper ampoule to the lower one.

Hourglasses were time-measuring instruments used in navigation as well as in the domestic and religious spheres. During the 17th century, these types of pieces, made of precious materials such as ivory, bone or noble woods, were considered prestigious objects, reflecting the status and refinement of their owner. In addition to their practical function, they had a strong moral symbolism: the flow of sand was a metaphor for the inexorable passage of time and the transience of life, very much in keeping with the Baroque mentality.

The use of carved bone (probably whale or bovine) required a very precise turning and engraving technique. The polished finish and ornamental complexity are evidence of specialized work, possibly carried out in workshops in northern Europe, where decorative and scientific objects were produced with great skill. The mesh that reinforces the union of the two glass vials is also characteristic of the time, ensuring the strength of the piece.