The boxwood frame is entirely carved with military decoration on the bases (swords, arquebuses, arrows and helmets). The cylinder features a three-band coat of arms surrounded by an interlacing design with two grotesque heads on either side, all framed by a fillet.

The coat of arms belongs to Girolamo Carafa (1564 / 1633), an Italian General in the service of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire in the late 16th and 17th centuries. He also served Emperor Ferdinand II of Habsburg and was appointed Viceroy of Aragon.

The multi-lobed window revealing the hourglass is carved on either side with a winged skull.

The hourglass consists of a flask with two ampoules joined by a wax seal covered with a red fabric and a cord.

White limestone sand with rounded grains.

Dimensions: height of 8,6 cm x diameter of 3,9 cm.

Made in Italy circa 1600.