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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Are hourglasses really an hour?

1 Answer
Are hourglasses really an hour?
No, despite the name, hourglasses aren’t necessarily always an hour. An hourglass is a device for measuring the passage of time as sand or liquid flows from the upper section to the lower section. Hourglasses can be crafted to measure any amount of time and are not limited to an hour. Shop a collection of hourglasses on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Shop for Hourglasses on 1stDibs
Hourglass by Tapio Wirkkala for Hetkinen Lapselle
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dramatic and sharp hourglass encased in a lucite cube.
Category

20th Century Finnish More Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Venini Two Colors Mini Hourglass/Clessidre, Unsigned
By Paolo Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great and rare find because is one of the small hourglass ever made by Venini. Also this
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Midcentury Lucite Hourglass Sand Timer Sculpture After Charles Hollis Jones 1970
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury hourglass in bubble lucite with straight external lines. This fantastic item was
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Lucite

1970s Pair of Vintage Lucite Hourglass Sculpture Style of Charles Hollis Jones
By Charles Hollis Jones, Milo Baughman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Fun pair of functional sculptural accents. Measures: LG - 4 1/8 x 4 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. MD - 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 x 6 7/8 in.  
Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Obelisks

Materials

Acrylic

19th Century XL Brass 7 Pound Weight Scale Apothecary Pharmacy Paperweight Desk
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Heavy and very large, 7 pound scale weight, hourglass form.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Paperweights

Materials

Brass

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