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Rectangular Ivory Diptych Sundial

The ivory diptych sundial was a time-finding tool of the early modern period, which could be conveniently carried in a gentleman’s pocket. The example shown here was adjustable for use in different latitudes from 42° and 54°. The sundial included a wind vane, magnetic compass, a list of cities and their latitudes, and several different types of vertical and horizontal sundials that not only found the time in three different hour systems but also the lengths of day and night and the Sun’s place in the Zodiac throughout the year.


CHSI Inv. Number 7568
Date: 1636
Leonhart Miller
Nuremburg, Germany


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