SOLD - Large hourglass, Northern Italy, early 20th century

Large hourglass with round wooden bases joined by four bronze columns and resting on the ground by means of three elegant spool-shaped feet. Glass ampoules connected by the original wooden disc containing sand. Measurements: height 71 cm - width 30.5 cm Also called a "sand clock", the hourglass is an instrument for measuring time. Technically, it consists of two approximately concave containers, locked in a cage made of various materials, connected to each other, and between which flows a very fine powder (sand, finely ground eggshells, pulverized marble). This content will flow in a precise time from the upper ampoule to the lower one; therefore, it will be enough to turn the instrument upside down to begin another period temporally identical to the previous one. An object of great charm and often built with precious materials, it was formerly the only instrument for measuring time at sea, and it is thought that its use may have begun in the 12th century. Certain evidence is only available from the 14th century, when the hourglass is reproduced in some works by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The hourglass has then accompanied us to the present day. The work, like every other object of ours, is sold with certificates of authenticity and lawful origin. We personally take care of and organize the packaging and shipping of works of art with insurance all over the world.