Chased bronze double hourglass or organ case with floral dec - Lot 520

Lot 520
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Estimation :
8000 - 10000 EUR
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Chased bronze double hourglass or organ case with floral dec - Lot 520
Chased bronze double hourglass or organ case with floral decoration The two glass tubes are composed of two vials attached to each other with a knot of rope and wax. The interior contains sand or eggshells (no longer flowing). The cage is made up of two parts mounted with screws (in period steel), enabling the glasses to be changed if necessary. The rarity of this hourglass lies in the extreme richness of its decoration, composed of interlacing, branches, various fruits (acorns, exotic fruits, lemons, pears, grapes), flowers, foliage, stems, shells and fleur-de-lys, all chased in solid bronze. In contrast to the vast majority of double hourglasses from this period, this quality of execution suggests a noble or royal provenance. There are a few examples of double hourglasses in metal, notably at the Musée du Louvre (reference OA 10794), and in wood at the Institut de l'Homme et le Temps in Switzerland and the Basel Museum. France - Mid-17th century 5 x 12 x 12.5 cm (slight old damage to bronze)
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