German sundial and compass from the 18th century

Ancient sundial with XVIII-century diptych and portable wooden compass sundial made of boxwood with a compass, 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 sun's hour angle directly and must be aligned with compass points. Portable sundials are mainly elevation sundials, used to measure the sun's elevation angle, which is indicated after assessment with known necessary declination, adjusted for the year, date, and solar 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 is a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its characteristic features.

Many styles distinguish antique furniture, but a few are particularly prominent. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early 20th-century variants include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis-Philippe style, and the English Victorian style. By 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, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, associated with Louis XVI, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Notable and interesting are antique products in Rococo style and Louis XV. Next is Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word 'barocco'—meaning an irregularly developed pearl. These were highly decorative, luxurious pieces designed to impress with their splendor and play a significant role in opulence. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these items.

Today, we can observe how much influence Baroque style has had on 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 robust, often finished with brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These were distinctive products that introduced new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest 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 artisans. This reflects admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that fits your interior.

The most important aspect of original antique furniture is authenticity. This is ultimately crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with many forgeries. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the product’s compliance with the actual description and photos. We also have experts in art appraisal, history, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.