Hemisferium Helios Dyptich Sundial

This is a reproduction of a Diptych dial, a type of sundial that gets its name from its two hinged leaves with waxed inner sides that open like a book.

Quadrants with a compass, introduced in the 15th century, were the first portable sundials. The compass is orientated to face the quadrant towards the north and the gnomon (a bit of cord or a flexible triangle) can be raised or lowered to accommodate the latitude where the compass is used. The gnomon casts a shadow on the dial to indicate the time of day.

The golden age of sundials lasted from the 15th century to the end of the 18th. Their diversity of shapes, materials and decorations was vast.

The Diptych measures 85mm in length, 60mm across and 20mm thick.

Material: Brass plate, MDF tainted and polished, crystal (polycarbonate) over the magnetic compass, coloured paper.

Hemisferium products are handmade ornaments with limited functionality, made primarily for decoration purposes. As they are handcrafted there may be small imperfections.