German sundial and compass from the 18th century

Ancient sundial with an XVIII-century diptych and a portable wooden compass sundial made from boxwood, of German origin, by Johann Georg Kleininger, Nuremberg, dating from around 1785, in good age-related condition, with signs of wear consistent with age and use.

The portable sundial, also known as a travel sundial, is a sundial that cannot be repaired or mounted. Stationary sundials typically measure the solar hour angle directly and must be aligned with compass points. Portable sundials are mainly elevation sundials, used to measure the solar elevation angle, which is indicated after assessment with a known declination, corresponding to the year, the solar date as the hour. Usually, it is also necessary to know whether it is morning or afternoon, as the same elevation angle can be measured twice a day.

Prestigious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is a growing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

There are many styles characterizing antique furniture, but a few key ones can be distinguished. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the prevalent Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and finally the Victorian English style. Toward the end of the century, these styles evolved into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from the reign of Napoleon. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also strongly references ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Next is Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. These were highly decorative, opulent pieces designed to radiate splendor and play a prominent role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the historical period. An important style is also Renaissance, which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and left a significant mark on furniture design. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and solid, using dark stains, moldings, robust bases, and reliefs. These products were quite distinctive but also introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly speaking, chest-type furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads—these are common motifs in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global companies reproduce such furniture, inspired by Italian and French craftsmen. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture styles varied by country, each with its own character. This is especially crucial when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. Ultimately, this matters most to buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s compliance with its description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.