Diptych Solar Clock with Compass - Italy 1980

A charming diptych sundial with compass, made in Italy around the 1980s, perfectly preserved and housed in an elegantly curved natural wood box. This piece combines the charm of ancient timekeeping with the utility of an analog compass, making it a rare example of decorative craftsmanship inspired by Renaissance science and symbolism. The dial is richly hand-illustrated with astral motifs and Latin references, including the famous phrase "Horas non numero nisi serenas," which demonstrates the connection between the passage of time and harmony with nature.

The structure opens like a book to reveal a gnomonic cord that casts a shadow on the engraved sundial, while the front compass helps correctly orient the instrument toward the north. The stylized designs on the lid and inside the top cover add an esoteric touch that makes the piece even more evocative, ideal for collectors, enthusiasts of antique scientific instruments, or anyone seeking a unique decorative element with a mysterious feel.

A perfect object to display in a library, a study, or as a gift for anyone who loves the intersection of art, astronomy, and history.