Skeleton and Rose Resin Hourglass with Black Sand - Clear

This skeleton hourglass sets two sculpted resin figures inside clear bulbs, with fine black sand running between them and antique silver-grey ends top and bottom. It stands about 20cm tall and 9cm across. In one bulb sits a skeleton in a black top hat, dark jacket and white cravat; in the other, a skeleton with long auburn hair. Whichever figure is at the bottom sits in the sand, while its partner hangs upside down from the opposite end. Both ends carry silver scrollwork and small red roses around the rim, and the flat outer face of the cap shows a raised pattern of clustered roses inside a pointed petal motif.

Turn it over and the black sand pours through the narrow neck, gathering around the figure below, so it is as much a small piece of theatre as a decoration. We like it on a mantelpiece, a bookcase or a dressing table, where the silver ends catch the light and the clear bulbs show every detail of the figures inside. With its top hat, roses and grinning skulls, it suits a gothic-styled room, a dark-painted study or a shelf of curiosities, and it makes a characterful gift for anyone who loves the macabre side of home decor.

The resin ends are wide and flat, so the hourglass stands on either end, and the figures are moulded with fine detail in their faces, hair and clothing. To keep it looking its best, dust it with a soft dry cloth and wipe the bulbs gently with a soft cloth when needed. Resin can chip if knocked, so set it down carefully after turning and keep it on a flat, stable surface away from the edge. For a striking display, stand it beside a black candle or a stack of old books, or wrap it as a gift that will be turned over again and again.

How big is the skeleton hourglass?

It stands about 20cm tall and measures about 9cm across, so it fits comfortably on a shelf, mantelpiece, dressing table or desk.

What is the hourglass made from?

It is made from resin, which holds the fine detail of the skeleton figures, the scrollwork and the small roses on the silver-grey ends.

Which figures are inside the bulbs?

One bulb holds a skeleton in a black top hat, dark jacket and white cravat, and the other holds a skeleton with long auburn hair.

Does the sand actually run through?

Yes. Turn the hourglass over and the fine black sand flows through the narrow neck into the lower bulb, settling around the figure there.

How should I look after it?

Dust it with a soft dry cloth, wipe the bulbs gently when needed, and handle it with care, as resin can chip if knocked or dropped.

Where does it look best?

On a mantelpiece, bookcase, dressing table or desk, especially in a gothic-styled room where the silver ends and small red roses stand out against darker colours.