Diptych dial (upper leaf)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1600
This object is the upper leaf of an unusual diptych sundial, originating from Nuremberg circa 1600. Unlike most diptych dials which were constructed entirely from ivory, this example features an ebony wooden base inlaid with ivory discs.
It is unsigned. The interior face of this leaf includes a central string gnomon dial displaying common hours from VII to V, accented by a coloured sun effigy. Two smaller auxiliary ivory discs at the top corners formerly held pin gnomons: one for day length and solar declination labeled 'TAG LENG', and one for Italian hours. The wooden surface displays intricate foliage carving, suggesting the piece was intended as an ornamental gift rather than a utilitarian instrument.
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
- Date
- circa 1600
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Material
- Ebony and ivory
- Dimensions
- 125 x 78 x 4 mm
- Construction
- Wooden base with ivory discs
- Inscriptions
- TAG LENG
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Place of origin
- Nuremberg
Design
- Visible features
- • Ebony wooden base with carved foliage motifs • Central ivory disc with sun effigy and string gnomon • Two smaller upper ivory discs for specialized solar readings • Smaller decorative flower-patterned discs at lower corners
- Construction and Materials
- The object represents the upper leaf of a diptych dial. Unlike conventional Nuremberg dials of the period, which were predominantly carved from solid ivory, this piece utilizes a black ebony base. This base serves as the substrate for various inlaid ivory elements, including a large central circular dial and four smaller auxiliary discs. The surface of the ebony is decorated with carved foliage motifs. The combination of materials and the decorative treatment on the wooden sections suggest a departure from utilitarian production methods. The museum notes that the extensive ornamentation and the original material choice imply a function as a precious gift.
- Internal Dialing Functions
- The interior face contains a central string gnomon dial. This dial features a central coloured sun effigy and tracks common hours from VII through XII to V, with subdivisions for half and quarter hours. The layout is designed for standard timekeeping purposes, supplemented by additional astronomical data on the secondary discs. Two smaller ivory discs at the upper section of the leaf once held pin gnomons. The left disc provided information regarding day length and solar declination, indicated by the inscription 'TAG LENG' and various zodiacal symbols. The right disc was configured to record Italian hours, marked in red numerals from 14 to 24. Both of these secondary dials are currently missing their pins.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The item is held by the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, catalogued as inventory number 49666. It is an unsigned piece, and only the upper leaf remains from the original diptych. The reference material for this object is noted in the publication 'The Ivory Sundials of Nuremberg 1500-1700' by P. Gouk. The condition of the object reflects the loss of certain components over time, specifically the pin gnomons and one of the smaller ivory circles in the spandrel spaces on the outer side. The object is officially dated to approximately 1600 and linked to the craft environment of Nuremberg.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 49666
- 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: The top right ivory circle is currently missing
- Research required: The two pin gnomons on the inner dials are missing