Gilbert 13, a product design outfit out of North West UK, is pleased to present their latest offering, the "Fable" mantle clock, which was inspired by "the beautifully crafted antiquities, curiosities and oddities from days gone by [that] have survived the passage of time." The sculptural timepiece takes the form of a traditional domed birdcage, which houses a tree that rotates on a central axis; a functional swing dangles from one branch, further illustrating the motion. The hour and minute are displayed on the outer circumference of the base, facing outward (hence, mantle clock), perpendicular to the motion of the scene.

If its alabaster hue indicates its manufacturing process—hint: Shapeways handles the fabrication—the level of detail and myriad points of articulation are, as to saying goes, just the tip of the iceberg in terms of practical applications of SLS.Fable was designed in the UK, crafted by sculpting and forming using CAD modelling programs and cutting edge Haptic Technology which allow forms to be created in a similar way to a traditional artisan sculpting clay by hand. The 3D data has then been translated into reality, 3D printed in the Netherlands through a process known as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) this is an additive manufacturing process which builds parts layer by layer using a laser to heat and fuse nylon powder.

The demo video looks uncannily like stop-motion animation...

The "Fable" Mantle Clock comes in two sizes: 230mm (~9 in.) and 180mm (~7 in.) and it's available now through the Gilbert 13 webshop.