Conrad Karner Ivory Diptych Sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17th century
This ivory diptych sundial is catalogued by Bonhams Skinner as originating from seventeenth-century Nuremberg and is inscribed with the signature of maker Conrad Karner.
The upper leaf interior displays an engraved and inked architectural town skyline positioned above a latitude table listing twenty-four European towns, pierced by a central viewing aperture. The lower leaf holds a sunk glazed compass encircled by multiple time scales graduated 4-12 and 1-8 alongside Italian and Babylonian hour divisions. The leaves are joined by a string gnomon and fitted with decorative brass hinges and hooks.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Scientific instrument diptych sundial
- Origin
- Nuremberg, 17th century
- Town list
- Twenty-four towns with their latitudes
- Dimensions
- Wd. 2 1/2, dp. 3 5/8, ht. 9/16 in.
- Maker marking
- Conrad Karner
- Inscribed date
- Anno 1619
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Conrad Karner
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular hinged ivory diptych open at approximately a right angle, joined by a taut string gnomon • Inked and carved town skyline scene on the interior face of the vertical leaf above a two-column latitude table • Circular recessed glazed compass inset into the horizontal leaf, surrounded by circular hour tracks and radiating lines • Maker name visible along the lower border inscribed 'CONRAD KARNER' • Decorative brass clasps, hinges, and attachment eyes fitted to the ivory edges
- Reverse Face and Condition
- The reverse side is described in the catalogue as containing multiple circular scales, including dual 1-12 hour tracks and lunar days 1-29, alongside an engraved brass pointer and an inner scale labeled 'Epacta Creori Anno'. The catalogue notes a loss of structural detail, stating the object is 'lacking index finger'. Condition is subject to appraisal and wear, and the absence of a formal condition statement in the provided source does not confirm the object's state of repair.
- Maker Attribution and Dating
- The dial bears the signature 'Conrad Karner'. Cataloguing attributes the object to Nuremberg in the 17th century. The instrument includes 'horn maker's marks' near the compass and 'double horn maker's marks' on the reverse side. Dating information is present on the reverse side of the instrument, where the text 'Epacta Iviani Anno 1619' is engraved in conjunction with circular scales.
- Physical Construction and Design
- The instrument is a rectangular ivory diptych sundial measuring 2 1/2 by 3 5/8 by 9/16 inches. The two leaves are joined by brass hinges and include decorative brass clasps. The exterior case features foliate decoration, a wind rose numbered 1-32, and a hinged brass cover for a wind vane on the side. The base of the instrument is fitted with four brass nail-head feet. The interior vertical leaf displays a carved village scene above a latitude table for twenty-four towns, along with a string gnomon. The horizontal leaf houses a glazed, recessed compass and features time scales graduated 4-12 and 1-8, with additional Italian and Babylonian hour divisions.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Exterior case features, wind rose, lunar calendar, and reverse face scales noted in the catalogue description are not visible in the interior photograph
- Research required: Catalogue notes 'lacking index finger'