glasuurs

Glasuurs is a term originating from Dutch that translates to "glass hours." It refers to a historical method of telling time, particularly in older buildings and public spaces. This system typically involved a clock face that was not necessarily marked with traditional numerals but instead indicated time through the amount of light passing through specially designed glass panes.

The concept relied on the sun's position. As the sun moved across the sky, its light would illuminate specific glass panels within a larger window or structure. Each illuminated pane represented a certain period of time, often in hourly increments. The progression of daylight across these glass sections provided a visual approximation of the time of day.

This method was more common in regions where sunlight was prevalent and could be reliably observed. While not as precise as mechanical clocks, glasuurs offered a functional and aesthetically integrated way to track time in environments where traditional clock mechanisms were not feasible or desired. The exact design and implementation of glasuurs could vary significantly, often blending architectural features with timekeeping functions. Today, glasuurs are largely a historical curiosity, though some architectural restorations may incorporate elements of this ancient practice.