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Sandglass

Sandglass

  • Place of origin:

    Italy (made)

  • Date:

    late 16th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Glass in turned ivory frame

  • Museum number:

    83-1880

  • Gallery location:

    In store

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During the 16th and 17th centuries sandglasses were used in various situations: in churches, typically to time the sermon; on ships to time the length of the watches; in the kitchens of wealthy households, probably to help judge cooking times. They are often illustrated in scholars' studies where they served meditation, or simply helped judge the time of day.

Sandglasses in this period were constructed from two matching glass ampoules sealed (often with wax or pitch) and bound with fabric at the joint. The 'sand' was usually a material less sensitive to moisture such as powdered metal, rock or eggshell.

It has not been possible to time the duration of this sandglass as the particles no longer run freely.

Physical description

Single sandglass in a turned ivory frame. A double glass ampoule of semi-globular shape is lashed around its waist with fabric (apparently silk) and wire. The ivory frame consists of two turned discs joined by six double-baluster turnings. Between the turnings, fitted to the top and bottom discs, are smaller turned finials 3(?) of which are missing. Three knops of hemi-spherical form are set into the outer faces of the top and bottom discs, serving as low feet. The glass contains an orangy-red particles.

Place of Origin

Italy

Date

late 16th century (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown

Materials and Techniques

Glass in turned ivory frame

Dimensions

Height: 8.3 cm
Diameter: 5.1 cm

from catalogue

Object history note

Bought for £2 from Mons. Fulgence, Paris.

Materials

Ivory; Glass

Categories

Clocks & Watches

Collection code

FWK

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Qr_O120000
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