Someone I know is currently translating DE HORUS SINICIS by T.S. Bayer [1735], which includes an illustration of a Chinese portable sundial. It was in the collection of Ernst Johann Biron, who was the chief magistrate of Russia at the time (and the empress's lover!). The dial is 17th century. Does anyone have any more information or precise dating on this dial, which is now probably in the Hermitage, St Petersburg?
I can send a JPEG of the illustration on request off-list. Regards Andrew James 51 04 N 01 18 W -
