Bidspirit auction | Hand-Blown Hourglass Artifact

Hand-Blown Hourglass Artifact - Hand-blown hourglass artifact. The piece is constructed with two bulbous chambers joined by a constricted central waist. The upper bulb features a small circular opening at the top, through which the interior contents are visible. The glass exhibits a distinct two-tone appearance; the upper half has a light cream-colored frosted finish, while the lower half displays a dark charcoal-gray to black weathered patina. The interior of the vessel contains loose granular material consisting of two colors of sand and shell fragments. The base is flattened, allowing the object to stand upright. The surface texture is irregular throughout, showing signs of significant environmental exposure. 4” H x 2” diameter. Recovered from a shipwreck, which is why tiny shells and sand are still inside. It is so delicate that it is remarkable it survived intact. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.